From developing an interest in computers at the age of seven to establishing his own cybersecurity company at 22, Akash Badola’s journey reflects the growing role of young entrepreneurs in India’s digital security landscape.
As businesses and institutions become increasingly dependent on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity has emerged as an important area of technological development. Among the entrepreneurs working in this field is Akash Badola, an Indian cybersecurity professional and founder of Cybersky Security OPC Pvt. Ltd., established in December 2022.
Born on 25 April 2000 in Kanva-Nagri, Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, Badola has developed professional interests in cloud security, network protection, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), next-generation firewalls and artificial intelligence-based threat detection.
In this interview-style feature, based on his supplied biographical information, we explore Badola’s early fascination with technology, his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of establishing a cybersecurity company and his vision for India’s digital security future.
Q1. Akash, could you tell us about yourself and your journey into cybersecurity?
Akash Badola: I come from Kanva-Nagri, Kotdwar, in Uttarakhand. My interest in computers and technology started when I was around seven years old. I was always curious about how computer systems worked, how information was stored and how digital networks could be protected.
As I grew older, that curiosity developed into a serious interest in cybersecurity. I began exploring areas such as network security, firewalls, system vulnerabilities and information protection. Eventually, I decided to turn that interest into a professional career and later into entrepreneurship.
Q2. What inspired you to establish Cybersky Security OPC Pvt. Ltd. at such a young age?
Akash Badola: I wanted to build something of my own in a field that I genuinely understood and enjoyed. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and I believed there was an opportunity to develop security solutions that could address the changing requirements of businesses and organizations.
In December 2022, when I was 22, I established Cybersky Security OPC Pvt. Ltd. The idea was to create a company focused on cybersecurity infrastructure, cloud protection, network security and emerging technologies.
Starting independently gave me the freedom to explore technical ideas and develop my own approach to cybersecurity.
Q3. What were the biggest challenges you faced while building your company?
Akash Badola: One of the biggest challenges was managing multiple responsibilities independently. In the beginning, I had to focus not only on technical development but also on business planning, client communication, project management and operational decisions.
Cybersecurity is a field where technical knowledge alone is not enough. You also need discipline, patience, confidentiality and an understanding of business requirements.
Another important lesson was learning how to protect business ideas and sensitive information. These experiences helped me understand that entrepreneurship requires both technical expertise and strategic thinking.
Q4. What are the primary cybersecurity services and technologies associated with Cybersky Security?
Akash Badola: Our technical focus includes cloud infrastructure security, network protection, next-generation firewall technologies, SIEM systems and artificial intelligence-assisted cybersecurity.
Cloud security is particularly important because organizations increasingly depend on cloud-based platforms to store information and operate their businesses.
We are also interested in technologies that help identify vulnerabilities, monitor network activity and improve threat detection. The broader objective is to develop adaptable security approaches for different digital environments.
Q5. Artificial intelligence is transforming several industries. How do you see its role in cybersecurity?
Akash Badola: Artificial intelligence has significant potential in cybersecurity because modern digital systems generate enormous amounts of information.
AI-based technologies can help analyze patterns, identify unusual activity and support the detection of potential security threats. Neural network technologies are particularly interesting because they can be applied to complex data analysis and anomaly detection.
I believe the future of cybersecurity will increasingly involve intelligent monitoring, automation and advanced threat analysis. However, these technologies must also be implemented responsibly and supported by strong security practices.
Q6. How has your professional training influenced your approach to cybersecurity?
Akash Badola: My professional learning has included cybersecurity training associated with EC-Council, along with continued exploration of information security, network defense and vulnerability management.
Cybersecurity requires continuous learning because technologies and threats change rapidly. Knowledge that is relevant today may need to be updated tomorrow.
I believe practical understanding is especially important. Studying how systems operate, identifying weaknesses and understanding how protective technologies function are essential parts of developing cybersecurity expertise.
Q7. Your company operates from Uttarakhand. Do you believe entrepreneurs from smaller cities can build technology businesses with wider reach?
Akash Badola: Absolutely. Technology has changed the way businesses operate. Today, an entrepreneur does not necessarily need to be based in a major metropolitan city to develop a technology company.
I come from Kotdwar, and establishing Cybersky Security in Uttarakhand has been an important part of my journey.
With the right technical knowledge, internet connectivity, professional discipline and determination, entrepreneurs from smaller cities can explore opportunities beyond their immediate geographical locations.
I believe talent and innovation should not be limited by where someone comes from.
Q8. What role has your family played in your professional journey?
Akash Badola: My family has been an important source of support throughout my journey. My parents have encouraged me to remain focused on my goals and continue learning.
My father’s discipline and work ethic have particularly influenced the way I approach professional responsibilities.
Building a company requires patience and consistency. The values I learned from my family have helped me remain committed to my work, especially during challenging periods.
Q9. Your professional profile mentions recognition for cybersecurity-related work in 2023. What does professional recognition mean to you?
Akash Badola: Recognition is meaningful because it encourages you to continue improving and contributing to your field.
For me, however, establishing Cybersky Security and continuing to develop my technical capabilities are also important achievements.
Cybersecurity is a responsibility-driven profession. The real value of the work lies in helping strengthen digital systems and contributing to safer technological environments.
Editorial note: Badola’s supplied profile reports recognition from India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in 2023. The specific recognition and official documentation have not been independently verified.
Q10. What do you believe are the biggest cybersecurity challenges facing India today?
Akash Badola: As India continues expanding its digital infrastructure, the need for stronger cybersecurity practices is becoming increasingly important.
Organizations are adopting cloud platforms, digital payment systems, connected technologies and automated services. These developments create opportunities, but they also introduce new security challenges.
I believe organizations need to focus on preventive security, continuous monitoring, infrastructure protection and employee awareness.
Cybersecurity should not be treated as something to consider only after an incident occurs. It needs to be part of the planning and development of digital systems from the beginning.
Q11. What advice would you give to young people who want to build a career in cybersecurity?
Akash Badola: My advice would be to begin with the fundamentals. Understand computer networks, operating systems, programming concepts and information security principles.
Do not focus only on learning tools. Try to understand how technologies work and why security vulnerabilities occur.
Practical learning, ethical conduct and continuous skill development are extremely important in this profession.
For those interested in entrepreneurship, I would also emphasize patience and discipline. Building a company takes time, and setbacks are part of the learning process.
Q12. What is your long-term vision for Cybersky Security and India’s cybersecurity ecosystem?
Akash Badola: My long-term objective is to continue developing Cybersky Security and exploring advanced cybersecurity technologies.
I am particularly interested in cloud infrastructure protection, AI-assisted threat detection, SIEM technologies and intelligent network security systems.
I also believe India has considerable potential to develop stronger indigenous cybersecurity capabilities.
My aim is to contribute to that development through continuous learning, technical innovation and the creation of security solutions that respond to emerging digital challenges.
A Journey Defined by Technology and Entrepreneurship
Akash Badola’s journey from Kotdwar to establishing Cybersky Security reflects the opportunities emerging for young professionals in India’s technology sector.
His decision to start a cybersecurity venture at 22 brought together his early interest in computer systems, professional training and ambition to develop independent security solutions.
As cybersecurity becomes increasingly important for businesses, public institutions and digital infrastructure, Badola continues to focus on technologies involving cloud protection, network monitoring and artificial intelligence.
For the Uttarakhand-based entrepreneur, the journey remains centered on technical development, professional discipline and the ambition to contribute to India’s evolving cybersecurity ecosystem.