Once an ace shooter, Nagpur's Shahana now cyber security geek
Nagpur: Precision, discipline, and unwavering focus — traits that once defined
Shahana Fatima
as an ace air rifle and pistol shooter — are now shaping her journey as a cyber forensic and security expert determined to shield India from the rising threat of
cyber warfare
.
Her family, which is into arms and ammunition business in Nagpur, Shahana's life revolved around a deep respect for national security. What sets her apart is the unique path she chose. After graduating in computer science, she earned top honours and distinction in a master's programme in
cyber forensics
and security at the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), Chicago.
Instead of chasing a lucrative job in the US tech industry, Shahana set her sights on returning to India and use her expertise to the nation's cyber defence systems.
"I want to use my skills not for corporate gain, but for the country. There's so much potential to help our security forces defend against cyberattacks, hacking, and such threats," she told TOI.
Her commitment was recently affirmed when she was selected as one of seven outstanding students from her university to design and implement a cybersecurity infrastructure for a marketing firm in Kosovo capital, Pristina. "I was the only Indian student chosen for that project.
It was a proud moment and a sign that I'm on the right path," she added.
Her choice of career was strongly influenced by an unexpected source — Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis. "At a college event, Fadnavis sir said something that stayed with me: 'There was a time when nations with fuel reserves were prosperous, but now, those with data reserves will thrive'. That one line pushed me to pursue cyber security," she recalled.
Shahana's inspiration doesn't end there. She credits senior IPS officer and Maharashtra's director general of information Brijesh Singh, as a role model in the field. Equally important is her mentor, Rizwan Ahmed, a leading cybersecurity and digital forensics expert, who guided her every step of the way.
Her fascination with engineering and innovation runs in the family. Shahana's maternal grandfather, Iqbal Ahmed, holds a Guinness World Record for building the world's smallest steam engine — an achievement that fuels her belief in pushing boundaries. A sportswoman at heart, Shahana still carries the mindset of a shooter — focused, tactical, and resilient. "Cyber forensics is different from general cybersecurity.
It involves investigation, legal frameworks, and analysis. It's challenging but deeply rewarding," she said. Looking ahead, Shahana plans to pursue a PhD to sharpen her expertise before returning to India.
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