Once a school dropout from Ludhiana, is now offering solutions to global cybersecurity problems

“For me, cybersecurity became more than just a passion — it became a way to serve. I felt empowered knowing that I could solve problems for individuals and organisations alike, safeguarding their digital lives. It was not about profit; it was about creating impact,” he added.

He required some money to start a business which was “significant amount” for their family then. “My father, though initially hesitant, saw my determination and lent me Rs 75,000 — a significant amount for us then,” Arora said.

With this money, he started conducting ethical hacking workshops. “Facing financial struggles and skepticism from peers, I remained steadfast in my belief that cybersecurity was not just a career —it was a necessity for the world’s digital future,” he insisted.

A loan of Rs 75,000 from father was successful and led to a business of Rs 1,500 crore, which made this Chandigarh resident rank amongst the youngest richest Indians today.

“We have redefined what an Indian company can achieve on a global scale. From conducting workshops to becoming a global leader in vulnerability management, we have achieved milestones that once seemed impossible. In 2024, we made history by becoming the first pure-play Indian cybersecurity company to go public.

“Our firm today serves over 2,000 clients across 80 countries, including governments, Fortune 500 companies, and start-ups. Today, we play a critical role in safeguarding digital ecosystems, including NPCI’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) — a backbone of India’s digital payment revolution. We are solving challenges on a scale that impacts billions of lives, and that is a responsibility I carry with pride and humility,” he added.

For Arora, Chandigarh is not just a city, “its unique charm, beauty, and peaceful ambiance make it an experience”. “No matter where I travel in the world, Chandigarh always feels like home. Its perfectly balanced lifestyle, greenery, and sense of community create a feeling of belonging that is hard to replicate anywhere else.”

For the ‘City Beautiful’ to retain its talent, the cybersecurity entrepreneur suggested more opportunities for growth without the city losing its tranquility and beauty to “make it a haven for creative minds”. “Imagine a place where innovation thrives without the chaos of overcrowded cities; that’s what Chandigarh can offer,” he explained.

But what can a government do for entrepreneurs?

“Chandigarh, as a Union Territory, holds a unique position that provides immense potential for direct government intervention and support. This distinctive advantage can be leveraged to turn Chandigarh into a beacon of innovation for the entire country. But to truly harness this potential, we need to create solutions that not only address local challenges but solve global problems. When Chandigarh speaks the language of the world, it will have the ear and voice of the government.”

Arora said for start-ups, the government can introduce tailored schemes that provide funding, mentorship, and infrastructural support with technologies like AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain. “These hubs can be places of collaboration, where start-ups solve global problems while keeping their roots in Chandigarh,” he said.

For the entrepreneur, de-stressing means “reconnecting with the soul”. “I find peace in meditation and introspection, which help me stay grounded and focused. Spending time with family and immersing myself in nature provide the balance I need in a fast-paced life.

“Watching about leadership and spirituality is another way I recharge. These moments of solitude remind me that life is not just about achieving; it’s about giving back, staying humble, and finding joy in the journey,” he reflected.

To every aspiring entrepreneur, Arora advised: “believe in your dreams, no matter how distant they may seem”. “My journey, from being a school dropout in Ludhiana to building a global company, is a testament to what faith, hard work, and resilience can achieve,” he insisted.

“I’ve been blessed with opportunities and recognition, including being featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2018) and Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2019). I am also included in the Hurun India Rich List 2024 as one of the Top 10 Youngest Richest Indians. These achievements are not just mine — they belong to every individual who believed in me, to the industry that gave me everything, and to the divine plan that guided me.

Arora further said his motivation comes from solving real-world problems. “What drives me every day is not just passion but the empowerment I feel in solving real-world problems for individuals — whether they are customers, teammates, partners, or society at large,” Arora concluded.