Nepal has started a ‘Hall of Fame’ program to honor cybersecurity researchers who safely report security flaws in government digital systems. This is the first government-supported recognition for these researchers in Nepal.
The project started with Devs.Nepal, a new online platform created by the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers on June 26. Its goal is to improve the security of government technology and encourage safe reporting of weaknesses.
The change happens after many security flaws were found in a government messaging system that is being developed. This led officials to create a clear way to report these issues and to give credit to the researchers who find them.
Nepal did not have a formal way for ethical hackers or cybersecurity experts to report problems in government systems or get credit for their work.
The Executive Council overseeing Devs.Nepal is chaired by Bibek Mishra, a member of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat. Other council members include Adesh Khadka, Madhav Khanal, and Sandip Aryal, while Ram Thapa serves as the member secretary.
The platform features a ‘Talent’ section showcasing technical professionals, with 39 developers currently listed.
It also has a ‘Hall of Fame’ board that honors cybersecurity researchers, often called white hackers, who have found and reported security problems.
Cybersecurity expert Sushil Phuyal, known as ‘1337mickey’, is in first place with 20 points. Maira Khanal is in second with eight points. An unknown researcher is in third with four points. The user ‘tukbdr1’ is fourth with three points.
Researchers can send reports of new security problems straight to the government using the Hall of Fame portal.
The platform has a social feed. Here, verified members can share updates, talk about tech, and suggest ideas for digital governance. Users can send tech proposals to government agencies, follow developers, vote on ideas, and join discussions with comments.
The Devs.Nepal website also features a message from Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), who said Nepal is entering a new era driven by artificial intelligence, innovation, and technology.
He said the country should move beyond exporting manpower and instead focus on exporting technology, products, and ideas to the global market.
“Devs.Nepal is a national platform for creators, innovators, and makers who are shaping Nepal’s digital future. The talent and potential of Nepali youth have already reached the global stage. Now, together, we will build for the world from Nepal,” the Prime Minister said.
0/1 click Facebook account takeover; Nepalis talent rewarded
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