Codebreakers Chronicles: Ethical Hacking Journey with Kader Harsith

Hello, I’m Kader Harsith Mohamed Kani, but you can call me MKHMD. As a dedicated VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) analyst, I have the privilege of working in a field that constantly challenges me and fuels my passion for cybersecurity. Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate enough to receive recognition and awards from notable companies, including Coca-Cola, Hypr, Redox, DataCamp, Ideals, and MSP Bots AI.

My path wasn’t always easy; I faced significant challenges early on, especially being from a Bio-Maths background. However, I believe that obstacles are merely stepping stones to success. I love developing Android applications and websites, and one of my proudest achievements is creating the app "RentDoc."

I live by the mantra, “It’s not about how many 400s we got; it’s about whether we got 200 finally!” This reflects my belief that perseverance and focus on goals are what truly matter.

At Com-Olho, I am excited to be part of a dynamic team that thrives on competition and innovation. I encourage developers to embrace healthy competition—after all, "Development is easy and fun until a Pen-tester invades!" Together, let’s challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what’s possible in technology.

Professional Achievements:

Every career has its own unique story, and mine began with a passion for technology that led me to my first role as a Software Trainee. For eight months, I immersed myself in the world of software development, learning the ropes and honing my skills in coding and project execution. It was a formative experience that laid the foundation for my future endeavors.

However, as I grew in my role, I realized my true passion lay in cybersecurity. The opportunity to protect systems and data from vulnerabilities sparked my interest in becoming a Penetration Tester. Yet, when my first company suggested that I switch to a different role, I knew it was time for a change.

With a clear vision of my goals, I made the leap to Infoziant Security. This transition marked a significant turning point in my career. As a Security Analyst, I have had the privilege of working alongside a talented team committed to safeguarding digital environments. Together, we’ve tackled an impressive number of security challenges, identifying and addressing over 1000 critical vulnerabilities. Each success not only strengthens our clients’ security but also fuels my passion for continuous learning and improvement in this ever-evolving field.

Looking back, I see how every experience has shaped my journey. From my beginnings as a Software Trainee to my current role as a Security Analyst, I’ve embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. As I continue to grow in my career, I’m excited about the challenges that lie ahead and the impact we can make in the world of cybersecurity.

Bug Bounty Journey:

When I first embarked on my bug bounty journey, my primary motivation was simple: I wanted to earn some money. However, as I delved deeper into the world of cybersecurity, I quickly realized that true success lies in learning and honing my skills before the earnings come.

My first significant milestone was a $200 bounty from HackerOne for a company called Redox. This experience was eye-opening. I faced a barrage of challenges, including numerous duplicate submissions and informative reports that tested my resilience. It wasn’t easy—each new discovery felt like a steep uphill climb, especially with so many duplications.

Yet, through it all, my passion for bug hunting only grew stronger. I learned to navigate the complexities of reporting and developed a deeper understanding of vulnerabilities. Each setback became a lesson, fueling my determination to improve and adapt.

Reflecting on this journey, I see how the challenges I faced shaped my approach to bug bounties. While the initial goal was to earn, I found that the real value lies in the knowledge and experience gained along the way. As I continue this journey, I’m excited to see where it takes me and how much more I can learn.

Motivation : Why I hack?

Hacking is often viewed through a lens of mystery and intrigue, but for me, it’s a journey driven by clear motivations and a deep passion for cybersecurity. At the core of my motivation is the desire to protect individuals and organizations from cyber threats. I believe that by identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, I contribute to a safer online environment. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts help safeguard sensitive information and maintain trust in digital systems.

The world of cybersecurity is ever-changing, with new vulnerabilities and exploits emerging daily. This dynamic landscape fuels my passion for continuous learning. Every challenge I face presents an opportunity to expand my knowledge and adapt to the latest trends, keeping me engaged and excited about my work. Hacking is akin to solving a complex puzzle, and I thrive on the challenge of dissecting systems, understanding their inner workings, and finding creative solutions to potential weaknesses. Each successful discovery reinforces my analytical skills and determination, providing a rush that keeps me coming back for more.

I have always been fascinated by technology and its transformative power. Hacking allows me to explore this passion in a hands-on way, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s thrilling to uncover the intricacies of systems that many take for granted and to see how they can be improved. One of the most rewarding aspects of hacking is the vibrant community surrounding it. Engaging with like-minded individuals, sharing knowledge, and collaborating on challenges enriches my experience. The sense of camaraderie and the collective effort to improve cybersecurity motivate me to keep pushing my limits.

In conclusion, I hack not just for the thrill or potential rewards but because I believe in the power of ethical hacking to create a safer digital world. Each vulnerability I uncover is a step toward a more secure future, and I’m excited to continue this journey.

Thanks For Com-Olho:

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to Com-Olho for this opportunity. I am so glad to be part of the team and thrilled to have secured 4th place on the overall leaderboard. In conclusion, I hack not just for the thrill or potential rewards but because I believe in the power of ethical hacking to create a safer digital world. Each vulnerability I uncover is a step toward a more secure future, and I’m excited to continue this journey.