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{{Short description|Indian cybersecurity specialist}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2026}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| alma mater = St. Peter's College, Agra; Master's in Computer Science
| name        = Rakshit Tandon
| awards = Cyber Guru of the Year (Government of Maharashtra, 2015), Honorary Doctorate in Cyber Security (Quantum University, 2021), Karamveer Chakra, Global Cybercrime Helpline Award (2018)
| image        = rakshittandon.jpg
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|1972|2|10}}
| birth_date   = {{Birth date and age|1972|2|10}}
| birth_place = Agra
| birth_place = Agra, India
| image = rakshittandon.jpg
| nationality  = Indian
| name = Rakshit Tandon
| alma_mater  = St. Peter's College, Agra
| nationality = Indian
| occupation   = Cybersecurity specialist, trainer and consultant
| occupation = Cybersecurity expert, cyber forensics specialist, trainer and consultant
| awards      = Cyber Guru of the Year Award (2015); Karamveer Chakra; honorary doctorate from Quantum University (2021)
| website = https://rakshittandon.com/
| website     = https://www.rakshittandon.com/
}}
}}


'''Rakshit Tandon''' (also referred to as '''Dr. Rakshit Tandon''') is an Indian cybersecurity specialist, cyber forensics expert and trainer. He has been associated with the [[Bureau of Police Research and Development]] (BPRD) under the Ministry of Home Affairs as a key resource person and visiting faculty for cybercrime investigation training, and has served as Consultant – CID with the Haryana Police Department.<ref name="TOI2024">{{cite news |title=Meet Dr Rakshit Tandon - a distinguished national cyber security expert, ETCISO |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/meet-dr-rakshit-tandon-a-distinguished-national-cyber-security-expert/articleshow/115280882.cms |work=The Times of India |date=14 November 2024 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="The420">{{cite web |title=Dr. Rakshit Tandon Joins FCRF as Director of Training to Strengthen Cyber Awareness and Capacity Building |url=https://the420.in/dr-rakshit-tandon-joins-fcrf-as-director-of-training-to-strengthen-cyber-awareness-and-capacity-building/ |website=The420.in |date=19 September 2024 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
'''Rakshit Tandon''' is an Indian cybersecurity specialist who has worked with police cybercrime units and conducted cybersecurity training and public awareness programmes. He advised the cybercrime cell of Gurgaon Police and coordinated its summer internship programme for students.<ref name="TOI2014">{{cite news |last=Yadav |first=Sanjay |title=Cyber safety internship with city police a hit among students |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/cyber-safety-internship-with-city-police-a-hit-among-students/articleshow/37982719.cms |work=The Times of India |date=8 July 2014}}</ref><ref name="HT2018">{{cite news |last=Arora |first=Naina |title=Gurugram Police cyber cell flooded with applications for its summer internship |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-police-cyber-cell-flooded-with-applications-for-its-summer-internship/story-otLPs7Z7bxpCYyvWVrYBjP.html |work=Hindustan Times |date=1 June 2018}}</ref>


Tandon is known for large-scale public awareness programmes on cyber hygiene and online safety (commonly referred to as "Safe Surfing"), contributions to UNICEF research on child online protection in India, and capacity-building programmes for police personnel across multiple states.<ref name="TOI2024" /><ref name="SIFS">{{cite web |title=Dr. Rakshit Tandon |url=https://www.sifs.in/team-details/cyber-expert-rakshit-tandon |website=SIFS India |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
== Career ==


== Early life and education ==
In July 2014, Tandon coordinated a summer internship programme organised by Gurgaon Police for students from across India. About 30 students participated in the programme, which covered cybercrime involving mobile phones, email and social media, as well as e-commerce fraud and website hacking.<ref name="TOI2014" />
Tandon was born on 10 February in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. He studied at St. Peter's College, Agra, and completed a Master's degree in Computer Science. He holds professional certifications including Certified Ethical Hacker (EC-Council), Microsoft Certified Professional and Certified Computer Forensics Expert (Brainbench).<ref name="Official">{{cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.rakshittandon.com/ahout-us.html |website=rakshittandon.com |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="Della">{{cite web |title=Rakshit Tandon |url=https://www.dellaleaders.com/member/rakshit-tandon/ |website=Della Leaders Club |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>


In November 2021, Quantum University conferred upon him an Honoris Causa Doctor of Philosophy in Cyber Security in recognition of his work in cybersecurity awareness, training of law enforcement agencies and prevention of cyber crimes.<ref name="LinkedIn">{{cite web |title=Dr. Rakshit Tandon – Honors & Awards |url=https://in.linkedin.com/in/rakshittandon |website=LinkedIn |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="SIFS" />
In June 2018, Tandon was advising the Gurugram Police cyber cell and assisting with its cybersecurity internship programme. The programme selected 100 students from law and technology backgrounds. Its training covered cybercrime investigations, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and the dark web.<ref name="HT2018" />


== Career ==
In October 2014, Tandon commented on website defacements attributed to hackers from India and Pakistan. He cautioned against assuming that attackers were based in the countries suggested by the attacks, noting that proxy servers could conceal their actual locations.<ref>{{cite news |last=Arora |first=Kim |title=Hackers from India, Pakistan in full-blown online war |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tech-news/hackers-from-india-pakistan-in-full-blown-online-war/articleshow/44766898.cms |work=The Times of India |date=10 October 2014}}</ref>
Tandon has worked in the cybersecurity domain for approximately two decades. His early involvement included assistance to local law enforcement in digital crime matters and participation in the organisation of the National Conference on Cyber Crime and Cyber Laws held by Uttar Pradesh Police in Agra in 2008. This led to collaboration with the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) on the "Safe Surfing" awareness initiative supported by NIXI.<ref name="EatMyNews">{{cite web |title=Rakshit Tandon - Cyber Security Is A Process Which Keeps Evolving With New Technologies |url=https://www.eatmy.news/2021/01/rakshit-tandon-cyber-security-is.html |website=Eat My News |date=20 January 2021 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="Official" />


Key professional associations include:
== Cybersecurity awareness ==
* Consultant – CID, Haryana Police Department, focusing on training and cybercrime investigation support.<ref name="TOI2024" />
* Key resource person and visiting faculty, Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, for cybercrime investigation training of law enforcement officers.<ref name="TOI2024" /><ref name="Della" />
* Director of Training, Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF) (from 2024).<ref name="The420" />
* Cyber Security Consultant, Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI).<ref name="Harper">{{cite web |title=Dr Rakshit Tandon |url=https://collins.in/jury-members/dr-rakshit-tandon/ |website=HarperCollins India |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
* Training Consultant to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on cyber-enabled trafficking, delivering programmes for officers from several South Asian countries.<ref name="SIFS" /><ref name="Engage">{{cite web |title=Dr Rakshit Tandon |url=https://engage4more.com/motivational-speakers/ai-cyber-tech/dr-rakshit-tandon |website=Engage4more |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
* Founder and Director of Hackdev Technology Pvt. Ltd. and related initiatives including HackerShala.<ref name="Della" />


He has conducted specialised training for police personnel in multiple states, including a 2025 programme for the Goa Police Cyber Cell attended by more than 90 officers covering cybercrime detection, digital footprints, and citizen safety awareness.<ref name="Herald">{{cite news |title=Goa Police Cyber Cell Attends Specialized Cyber Crime Training with Dr. Rakshit Tandon |url=https://www.heraldgoa.in/goa/goa-police-cyber-cell-attends-specialized-cyber-crime-training-with-dr-rakshit-tandon/36791/ |work=Herald Goa |date=27 February 2025 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref> Similar programmes have been reported for units in Uttar Pradesh (including GRP and district police), Haryana, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Arunachal Pradesh.<ref name="Bhaskar">{{cite news |title=Cyber Expert Rakshit Tandon Trains GRP on Phishing and UPI Fraud Prevention |url=https://www.bhaskar.com/local/uttar-pradesh/news/rakshit-tandon-grp-cyber-security-training-phishing-upi-fraud-tips-139017913.html |work=Dainik Bhaskar |date=13 September 2026 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="APAC">{{cite web |title=Arunachal Pradesh Hosts State Consultative Workshop on Strengthening Cybersecurity Frameworks for State Data |url=https://apacnewsnetwork.com/2026/07/arunachal-pradesh-hosts-state-consultative-workshop-on-strengthening-cybersecurity-frameworks-for-state-data/ |website=APAC News Network |date=1 July 2026 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
Tandon has conducted public awareness sessions on online safety. In June 2026, he led a cyber awareness programme in Kathwara village in the Bakshi Ka Talab area of Lucknow district. The event was organised by Psy-Naree in collaboration with RT Cyber Academy. It covered online fraud methods, including impersonation scams, theft of one-time passwords (OTPs) and digital arrest scams. Participants were encouraged to recognise suspicious communications and report cybercrime.<ref>{{cite news |last=Srivastava |first=Prashant |title=UP’s ‘Cyber Panchayat’ to create awareness in villages as state battles rising tide of online fraud |url=https://theprint.in/tech/ups-cyber-panchayat-to-create-awareness-in-villages-as-state-battles-rising-tide-of-online-fraud/2962571/ |work=ThePrint |date=17 June 2026}}</ref>


== Cyber awareness and child online protection ==
During the programme, residents took a community cyber-safety pledge administered by Tandon. The session addressed fraudulent calls impersonating police officers or bank officials, theft of banking details and fake investment schemes.<ref>{{cite news |title=Villagers take oath for online safety in cyber panchayat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/villagers-take-oath-for-online-safety-in-cyber-panchayat/articleshow/131780957.cms |work=The Times of India |date=17 June 2026}}</ref>
Tandon has been involved in extensive cyber hygiene and online safety programmes targeting students, teachers and parents. Sources attribute to him outreach to several million young people across more than 25 states and multiple union territories, with figures ranging from approximately 3–7 million depending on the reporting period.<ref name="TOI2024" /><ref name="SIFS" /><ref name="Harper" />


He contributed to UNICEF’s research on Child Online Protection in India.<ref name="TOI2024" /><ref name="SIFS" /> He has also been associated with the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship (GPCSSI), a multi-year programme that has received recognition including a SKOCH Governance Gold Award.<ref name="TEDx2024">{{cite web |title=Catalysts for Change {{!}} Rakshit Tandon {{!}} TEDxMount Olympus School |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TrO0D6tIMM |website=YouTube (TEDx Talks) |date=20 November 2024 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
In September 2026, Tandon led the fifth edition of Cyber Panchayat at a school in Bakshi Ka Talab. The session covered phishing, fraudulent calls and messages, OTP and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying, online gaming risks and digital arrest scams. Participants were advised on protecting personal information and reporting cyber fraud through the national helpline and reporting portal.<ref>{{cite news |title=Rural users alerted to cyber threats |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/rural-users-alerted-to-cyber-threats/articleshow/134153306.cms |work=The Times of India |date=13 September 2026}}</ref>


== Public speaking ==
== Awards and recognition ==
Tandon has spoken at Talks at Google on the topic of "Safe Surfing"<ref name="GoogleTalks">{{cite web |title=Safe Surfing {{!}} Rakshit Tandon {{!}} Talks at Google |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bSWVpieo8gg |website=YouTube (Talks at Google) |date=14 February 2018 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref> and at multiple independent TEDx events, including TEDxMount Olympus School, TEDxJIIT, TEDxYouth@DPSGurgaon and TEDxYouth@GDGoenkaWorldSchool.<ref name="TEDx2024" /><ref name="TEDxJIIT">{{cite web |title=Cyber Crime: Why the youth should worry? {{!}} Rakshit Tandon {{!}} TEDxJIIT |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4I3bAQYeQE |website=YouTube (TEDx Talks) |date=24 October 2017 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref name="TEDxDPS">{{cite web |title=Footprints in the world of virtual reality {{!}} Rakshit Tandon {{!}} TEDxYouth@DPSGurgaon |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ey74cabU5h0 |website=YouTube (TEDx Talks) |date=20 November 2018 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>


He has also addressed judicial academies, police training institutions, defence establishments and industry forums on topics including emerging cyber threats, digital evidence and online safety.<ref name="TOI2024" /><ref name="Herald" />
In 2015, Tandon received the Cyber Guru of the Year Award, attributed to the Government of Maharashtra and associated with the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the Asian School of Cyber Laws. He also received a Karamveer Chakra through the REX initiative in 2015 and a Gold Karamveer Chakra in 2016.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accolades/Honours |url=https://www.rakshittandon.com/AccoladesHonours.html |website=Rakshit Tandon |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>


== Awards and recognition ==
In 2018, Tandon received the Global CyberCrime Helpline Award. In 2019, his honours included the Karmaveer Puraskaar Jyoti Award and the Gurugram Achievers Award. The SKOCH Governance Gold Award associated with the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship programme was recognition for the programme and is not listed here as an individual award to Tandon.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accolades/Honours |url=https://www.rakshittandon.com/AccoladesHonours.html |website=Rakshit Tandon |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Member profile: Rakshit Tandon |url=https://www.dellaleaders.com/member/rakshit-tandon/ |website=Della Leaders Club |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
Reported awards and honours include:
 
* Cyber Guru of the Year Award by the Government of Maharashtra (2015), in association with the Cyber Cell of Mumbai Police, IIT Bombay and the Asian School of Cyber Laws.<ref name="LinkedIn" /><ref name="Della" />
In November 2021, Quantum University conferred an honorary degree on Tandon at its first convocation ceremony. The university identified him as a cybersecurity expert and stated that the honour recognised his contributions to the field.<ref>{{cite web |title=1st Convocation Ceremony Report |url=https://quantumuniversity.edu.in/convocations/convocation-2021 |website=Quantum University |date=27 November 2021 |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref> Other awards attributed to Tandon in 2021 include the Cyber Soldier Award, the Cyber Mentor Excellence Award and the Golden Achiever's Award.<ref>{{cite web |title=Accolades/Honours |url=https://www.rakshittandon.com/AccoladesHonours.html |website=Rakshit Tandon |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>
* Honorary Doctorate in Cyber Security, Quantum University (2021).<ref name="LinkedIn" /><ref name="SIFS" />
* Karamveer Chakra and Gold Karamveer Chakra (Rex Conclave, 2015–2016).<ref name="Della" /><ref name="SIFS" />
* Global Cybercrime Helpline Award (2018).<ref name="Della" />
* SKOCH Governance Gold Award (associated with the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship).<ref name="Della" />
* Cyber Soldier Award, Cyber Mentor Excellence Award and Golden Achievers Award (2021), among others.<ref name="SIFS" /><ref name="LinkedIn" />


He holds honorary membership of the Indian Police Foundation and has served in mentoring and coordinating roles for cyber security internship programmes.<ref name="TOI2024" />
In December 2023, Tandon received a Forensics Excellence Award at the fourth International Forensics Science Conference, organised by SIFS India Forensic Lab and Clue4 Evidence Forensic Lab in collaboration with universities in the Philippines.<ref>{{cite web |title=4th International Forensic Science Conference |url=https://www.forensicevents.com/assets/front/img/pdf/1701348419.pdf |website=Forensic Events |access-date=11 October 2026}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
== External links ==
* {{Official website|https://www.rakshittandon.com/}}
* {{Official website|https://www.rakshittandon.com/}}
* [https://in.linkedin.com/in/rakshittandon LinkedIn profile]
* [https://in.linkedin.com/in/rakshittandon LinkedIn profile]
* [https://x.com/tandonrakshit X (Twitter) profile]
* [https://x.com/tandonrakshit X profile]

Latest revision as of 11:15, 11 October 2026

Rakshit Tandon
Born (1972-02-10) February 10, 1972 (age 54)
Agra, India
NationalityIndian
Alma materSt. Peter's College, Agra
OccupationCybersecurity specialist, trainer and consultant
AwardsCyber Guru of the Year Award (2015); Karamveer Chakra; honorary doctorate from Quantum University (2021)
Websitehttps://www.rakshittandon.com/

Rakshit Tandon is an Indian cybersecurity specialist who has worked with police cybercrime units and conducted cybersecurity training and public awareness programmes. He advised the cybercrime cell of Gurgaon Police and coordinated its summer internship programme for students.[1][2]

Career[edit | edit source]

In July 2014, Tandon coordinated a summer internship programme organised by Gurgaon Police for students from across India. About 30 students participated in the programme, which covered cybercrime involving mobile phones, email and social media, as well as e-commerce fraud and website hacking.[1]

In June 2018, Tandon was advising the Gurugram Police cyber cell and assisting with its cybersecurity internship programme. The programme selected 100 students from law and technology backgrounds. Its training covered cybercrime investigations, artificial intelligence, big data analytics and the dark web.[2]

In October 2014, Tandon commented on website defacements attributed to hackers from India and Pakistan. He cautioned against assuming that attackers were based in the countries suggested by the attacks, noting that proxy servers could conceal their actual locations.[3]

Cybersecurity awareness[edit | edit source]

Tandon has conducted public awareness sessions on online safety. In June 2026, he led a cyber awareness programme in Kathwara village in the Bakshi Ka Talab area of Lucknow district. The event was organised by Psy-Naree in collaboration with RT Cyber Academy. It covered online fraud methods, including impersonation scams, theft of one-time passwords (OTPs) and digital arrest scams. Participants were encouraged to recognise suspicious communications and report cybercrime.[4]

During the programme, residents took a community cyber-safety pledge administered by Tandon. The session addressed fraudulent calls impersonating police officers or bank officials, theft of banking details and fake investment schemes.[5]

In September 2026, Tandon led the fifth edition of Cyber Panchayat at a school in Bakshi Ka Talab. The session covered phishing, fraudulent calls and messages, OTP and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) fraud, identity theft, cyberbullying, online gaming risks and digital arrest scams. Participants were advised on protecting personal information and reporting cyber fraud through the national helpline and reporting portal.[6]

Awards and recognition[edit | edit source]

In 2015, Tandon received the Cyber Guru of the Year Award, attributed to the Government of Maharashtra and associated with the Mumbai Police Cyber Cell, the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and the Asian School of Cyber Laws. He also received a Karamveer Chakra through the REX initiative in 2015 and a Gold Karamveer Chakra in 2016.[7]

In 2018, Tandon received the Global CyberCrime Helpline Award. In 2019, his honours included the Karmaveer Puraskaar Jyoti Award and the Gurugram Achievers Award. The SKOCH Governance Gold Award associated with the Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Internship programme was recognition for the programme and is not listed here as an individual award to Tandon.[8][9]

In November 2021, Quantum University conferred an honorary degree on Tandon at its first convocation ceremony. The university identified him as a cybersecurity expert and stated that the honour recognised his contributions to the field.[10] Other awards attributed to Tandon in 2021 include the Cyber Soldier Award, the Cyber Mentor Excellence Award and the Golden Achiever's Award.[11]

In December 2023, Tandon received a Forensics Excellence Award at the fourth International Forensics Science Conference, organised by SIFS India Forensic Lab and Clue4 Evidence Forensic Lab in collaboration with universities in the Philippines.[12]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Yadav, Sanjay (8 July 2014). "Cyber safety internship with city police a hit among students". The Times of India.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Arora, Naina (1 June 2018). "Gurugram Police cyber cell flooded with applications for its summer internship". Hindustan Times.
  3. ↑ Arora, Kim (10 October 2014). "Hackers from India, Pakistan in full-blown online war". The Times of India.
  4. ↑ Srivastava, Prashant (17 June 2026). "UP's 'Cyber Panchayat' to create awareness in villages as state battles rising tide of online fraud". ThePrint.
  5. ↑ "Villagers take oath for online safety in cyber panchayat". The Times of India. 17 June 2026.
  6. ↑ "Rural users alerted to cyber threats". The Times of India. 13 September 2026.
  7. ↑ "Accolades/Honours". Rakshit Tandon. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
  8. ↑ "Accolades/Honours". Rakshit Tandon. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
  9. ↑ "Member profile: Rakshit Tandon". Della Leaders Club. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
  10. ↑ "1st Convocation Ceremony Report". Quantum University. 27 November 2021. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
  11. ↑ "Accolades/Honours". Rakshit Tandon. Retrieved 11 October 2026.
  12. ↑ "4th International Forensic Science Conference" (PDF). Forensic Events. Retrieved 11 October 2026.

External links[edit | edit source]

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