NEW DELHI: NTA on Tuesday scrambled to patch up vulnerabilities in its NEETUG portal which were highlighted by a teen “cyber security researcher”, who warned that the chink could potentially be exploited to hack sensitive information.There was a weakness that had briefly affected the website but it has since been fixed, NTA sources told TOI on a day a barrage of cyber attacks was unleashed on CBSE’s website.Rylen Anil, identifying himself as a 16 year-old “cyber security researcher”, sounded the warning on X. Interestingly, he is followed by the NTA administration.The agency, reeling under criticism over the paper leak, moved fast to plug the crack which could have po-tentially helped outsiders access details linked to examination observers, centre coordinators and test centres — including names, mobile numbers and email addresses. Sources, in the agency acknowledged the repair job, but stopped short of endorsing Anil’s statement about the damage it could have caused.Anil alleged that the vul-nerabilities may have enabled actions such as exporting internal records, generating appointment letters, modifying observer data, uploading templates and managing administrative mappings linked to the examination process, triggering concern among students, parents and cybersecurity observers.As screenshots and allegations circulated online, several users reported that the re-examination portal link had temporarily stopped working and was displaying a “404 Not Found” message. The development further fuelled speculation online regarding possible backend intervention or emergency technical changes.In the evening, NTA officials maintained necessary corrective measures were implemented and the portal was functioning normally.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosSaying ‘I Love Pakistan’ Is Okay For You?: Pawan Kalyan Slams Congress, Seeks Rahul’s ResponseSonam Wangchuk To Join Cockroach Janata Party’s Delhi Protest If Education Minister Doesn’t ResignWhere Are TMC Leaders? Only A Few MLAs, MPs Join Mamata As She Leads Kolkata DharnaNeighbourhood First 2.0? India Deepens Nepal-Myanmar Outreach As Amit Shah Reviews Border SecurityIndia Rejects EU-Pak Statement After J&K Reference Sparks Diplomatic Controversy1.5 Million Hits In 2 Minutes: CBSE’s Class 12 Re-Evaluation Portal Faces CyberattackCBSE Top Brass Transferred As Centre Orders Probe Into On-Screen Marking Tender Controversy’No Role For Any Third Parties’: India On Nepal PM’s Remarks On Border Encroachment, Britain Talks’Aligning With Traitor’: Mamata Slams TMC Rebels, Claims BJP Rigged Counting In 177 Bengal SeatsIndia Issues Formal Request To France For 114 Rafale Fighter Jets In ₹3.25 Lakh Crore Defence Deal123PhotostoriesWhy Anushka Sharma’s checkered kurta is the only summer fashion inspiration you need5 national parks in the USA perfect for wildlife lovers and the best time to visit themKatrina Kaif’s ‘Uncha Lamba Kad’ outfit is trending again after the revamped version starring Disha Patani went viral for all the wrong reasonsThese Zodiac Signs Are Destined for a Powerful ComebackRags to Riches stories of Hollywood: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson to Robert Downey Jr.Tennis legend Serena Williams’ $10 million Florida mansion is a luxury retreat with a secret karaoke room, infinity pool but no tennis courtSetting up your living room? The 3-5-7 rule interior designers don’t want you to knowHow to remove a suntan naturally? Try these dal face packs for clear, glowing skin8 ‘just Indian girl things’ that sound strange but make complete sense at home6 fruit peels you should stop throwing away and why123Hot PicksWho was Henry NowakKarishma VijayChloe KimSuryakumar YadavBalen ShahJustin GaethjeJacob BethellTop TrendingPunjab Student SuicideDelhi ITO FireWWE Clash Results and HighlightsDelhi Mukundpur LPG BlastRUHS CUET 2026 resultSupreme CourtIPL Awards Full ListBSEB Bihar Sakashmta Pariksha Admit CardNTAJIPMAT 2026 admit card
NEW DELHI: NTA on Tuesday scrambled to patch up vulnerabilities in its NEETUG portal which were highlighted by a teen “cyber security researcher”, who warned that the chink could potentially be exploited to hack sensitive information.There was a weakness that had briefly affected the website but it has since been fixed, NTA sources told TOI on a day a barrage of cyber attacks was unleashed on CBSE’s website.Rylen Anil, identifying himself as a 16 year-old “cyber security researcher”, sounded the warning on X. Interestingly, he is followed by the NTA administration.The agency, reeling under criticism over the paper leak, moved fast to plug the crack which could have po-tentially helped outsiders access details linked to examination observers, centre coordinators and test centres — including names, mobile numbers and email addresses. Sources, in the agency acknowledged the repair job, but stopped short of endorsing Anil’s statement about the damage it could have caused.Anil alleged that the vul-nerabilities may have enabled actions such as exporting internal records, generating appointment letters, modifying observer data, uploading templates and managing administrative mappings linked to the examination process, triggering concern among students, parents and cybersecurity observers.As screenshots and allegations circulated online, several users reported that the re-examination portal link had temporarily stopped working and was displaying a “404 Not Found” message. The development further fuelled speculation online regarding possible backend intervention or emergency technical changes.In the evening, NTA officials maintained necessary corrective measures were implemented and the portal was functioning normally.