Lucknow: Cybersecurity is no longer a niche specialization — it has become the backbone of every digital ecosystem being built today. As Uttar Pradesh accelerates its digital transformation across governance, startups, fintech, education, and enterprise sectors, the need for skilled cyber defenders has never been greater. Rising to meet this demand is HackWithSmile.In, a premier Cybersecurity Conference & Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenge that aims to unite students, professionals, industry leaders, and innovators under one powerful mission: Hack • Learn • Win • Smile.
Positioned as more than just a conference, HackWithSmile.In is being described as a regional cybersecurity movement. With the theme of driving cybersecurity innovation across the region, the event seeks to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world cyber defense challenges.
A Platform for Learning and Competition
The one-day event, scheduled for March 14, 2026, in Lucknow, promises an intensive blend of technical sessions, hands-on workshops, expert talks, and a high-energy CTF arena. Participants will explore cutting-edge domains such as Offensive Security, AI-powered cyber attacks, Drone Forensics, Cloud Hacking, Operational Technology (OT) Security, and real cybercrime investigations.
The CTF challenge is expected to be a major highlight, offering participants the opportunity to solve real-world cybersecurity problems in a competitive environment designed to test both skill and creativity.
Industry Leaders and Strong Backing
HackWithSmile.In is supported by reputed organizations and communities including EC-Council (through its accredited partner AiCyber.Guru), Vision Startup Accelerator, Digio Security, Cyber Intelligence Community, Axios IIIT Lucknow, and Veterans Consultancy Pvt Ltd, among others.
The organizing team features seasoned professionals such as Somendra Nath Tiwari (CISSP, MIT xPRO, IIM Lucknow, former Microsoft, Nokia and Jio professional), Samaksh Kaushik (Founder of ThreatBlock, OSCP, CEH), Dhaval Vaish (AI Club Head, ISO 27001 Associate), and Yatin Sharma. Their combined experience is expected to bring practical insights and industry relevance to the event.
Who Should Attend?
The conference is open to students exploring cybersecurity, working professionals upgrading their skills, tech enthusiasts curious about ethical hacking, startup founders, educators, and academic leaders. Organizers emphasize that beginners and experts alike will find value in the structured sessions and collaborative environment.
A Defining Moment for UP’s Cyber Ecosystem
With Uttar Pradesh emerging as a growing technology and startup hub, initiatives like HackWithSmile.In reflect a broader push toward building local cybersecurity capacity. By fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the cybersecurity community, the event aims to create a stronger digital defense framework for the state.
Registrations are currently open at www.HackWithSmile.In. As organizers describe it, this is not just a conference — it is a movement shaping the future of cybersecurity in Uttar Pradesh.
On March 14, Lucknow will not just host a cybersecurity event; it will host the beginning of a stronger, smarter, and safer digital future.
