Hey, it’s Pritesh here — a boy who once dreamed of being in the defence services.
Right now? Exploiting, hacking (or whatever you call it), just managing to live a day-to-day life.
Where It All Started
5 years back, I didn’t even know what cybersecurity, a security researcher, or hackers meant. Just buzzwords.
Somewhere around 2019, I got introduced to something I didn’t even have a name for back then — OSINT.
I joined a random Telegram channel (some Indian OSINT community — don’t even remember the name). That’s where it began.
Understanding intelligence. Understanding human psychology. Understanding how public information connects.
Not theory — real-world thinking.
The OSINT Phase
I started connecting with people on Telegram and WhatsApp — people who actually *knew things*. They shaped me.
Eventually, I joined a group that investigated social media profiles spreading anti-national content, religious hate, or threats.
We tracked activity across platforms (mainly Twitter/X) and reported it through proper channels.
That’s when I understood something important:
Geopolitics, intelligence, and security aren’t concepts — they’re constantly happening in the background.
When Things Changed
Then came the shift.
Elon Musk took over Twitter and turned it into X.
Rate limits. Privacy restrictions.
Things got harder. Our work slowed down.
And somewhere along the way, I paused OSINT.
Trying to Fit In
I moved to web development — because that’s what everyone was doing.
Learned webdev, web3, basics… everything.
But I felt it clearly:
I didn’t want to build. I wanted to break.
The Script Kiddie Era
I started watching hacking tutorials. Copy-pasting commands into terminal.
Yeah — script kiddie phase.
But then reality hit:
If you’re serious about cybersecurity, fundamentals matter.
Curiosity Took Me Further
Around early 2022, hacktivism was everywhere.
I got curious.
Started exploring how groups operate — DDoS, ransomware, SCADA attacks, dark web connections.
And to understand it better, I went deeper.
Joined those spaces. Talked to people. Observed silently.
Not to become one of them — but to understand.
Life Happened
I joined college (BCA)… and dropped out within a year due to financial issues.
No regrets.
Do it or don’t do it — you’ll regret both.
Then I joined a cybersecurity course (you know the pitch — “get certified, get a job”).
That’s where I met Vaishnavu C.V sir — someone who actually made a difference.
Finding My Place
Through that community, I got a platform.
I started posting breach alerts and intel — because I had access to 80+ private groups where attacks were discussed.
Why not use that access for something useful?
At the same time, I started bug bounty.
35+ reports. Most duplicates. ~7k earned.
Yeah, skill issue. I know.
Stepping Into The Real World
I started attending events — Seasides, BSIDES Mumbai.
Built real connections.
Even before that, I had started earning:
- Freelancing
- Security contributions
- Web3-related work
Worked with clients globally (except India, ironically).
Roles I’ve touched:
- Web3 Security
- VAPT
- CTI
- OSINT
OSINT Is Not a Hobby
Many people treat OSINT like a side hobby.
I don’t.
It’s a core part of cybersecurity.
India has strong OSINT communities — Ware&Gore, OsintTV, ElitePredators, and many more. They’ve contributed massively to real intelligence work.
Some contributors today include defence personnel, law enforcement, and independent researchers.
Respect to that community.
Rejections & Reality
I’ve given 10+ interviews for security roles!
All rejections.
Fair.
Reasons?
- Poor communication (introvert struggles)
- No certifications (CEH = HR filter in India)
- No degree
That hits hard.
Motivation drops. ~ Fucks
But Still…
WAKE UP. UPSKILL.
Right now, I’m working with a team on a web3 project based in Hungary.
Handling web3 security.
Am I good at it?
Not really.
But it works.
Where I Stand Today
I’m not great at many things. Maybe never was.
But I know one thing:
I’m not done yet.
Once I’m financially stable, I’ll continue my education.
Until then — hustle continues.
Period.
Shoutouts
Sector21 Community — Vaishnavu sir, Deepu, Davy, Alexander, and everyone there.
RtxGhost — hacker buddy from Assam who prefers to stay anonymous.
Sanket Sharma, Pratham Naik, Shahid Shaikh, Ivo Pereira, Pushkaraj Dhuri — and everyone I couldn’t mention.
Ending Note
This isn’t a polished blog.
Call it shitposting. Call it whatever.
This is just… my story.
And yeah —
Thanks to my parents. Never really made them proud.
But I will.
Someday.
@0xprit3sh// if my work helped you, buy me a chai ☕