Shikhil Sharma (Astra Security)
Overview
Shikhil Sharma is an influential figure in the cybersecurity sector, primarily recognized as the founder of Astra Security, a company dedicated to harnessing artificial intelligence for advanced penetration testing. Having commenced his career as a cybersecurity consultant, Shikhil's journey has been marked by notable contributions in identifying vulnerabilities for major corporations like Microsoft and Yahoo. His expertise has propelled Astra Security to prominence, especially in developing platforms that automate penetration testing to streamline security assessments for businesses.
Recent Developments
In the past few years, Shikhil Sharma and Astra Security have made significant strides in the cybersecurity landscape, notable achievements include:
- February 2025: Astra Security raised $2.7 million in a growth capital round led by Emergent Ventures, with contributions from the Neon Fund, Better Capital, Blume Ventures, and PointOne Capital. This funding aims to enhance its AI-driven technology and expand capabilities in cloud vulnerability detection.
- 2024: The company noted a significant increase in demand for its services, resulting in saving its clients over $69 million from potential losses due to cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Astra's platform reportedly uncovered over 2 million vulnerabilities in the past year.
- Expansion Plans: Astra plans to leverage the new funding to enhance product offerings and hire new teams in the US to bolster its international footprint.
- Astra Security has been continuously refining its AI algorithms to mimic hacker behavior more effectively, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of its security detections.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shikhil Sharma |
| Born | Not publicly available |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Founder of Astra Security |
| Known For | Cybersecurity innovations, Astra Security |
| Education | B.Tech in Computer Science, NIIT University |
Early Life and Education
Shikhil Sharma hails from Delhi, India. His interest in cybersecurity was piqued during his teenage years when he began exploring the intricacies of hacking and security vulnerabilities. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Engineering from NIIT University, where he refined his skills and gained the foundational knowledge that would later underpin his career. His formative years were characterized by a blend of academic rigor and self-directed learning, particularly in areas related to web security and vulnerability management.
Career and Notable Achievements
Shikhil Sharma's career trajectory has been characterized by continuous innovation and a proactive approach to cybersecurity:
- Founded Astra Security in 2018: Established as a leading cybersecurity firm focused on AI-driven pentesting solutions.
- Contributions to Major Organizations: Sharma's work includes significant contributions to security programs for Microsoft, Yahoo, and Adobe. His efforts earned him recognition and accolades, including placements in various security halls of fame.
- Awards: Received the Best Security Startup award and was acknowledged by the French President under La French Tech program.
- Bug Bounty Programs: Actively participated in renowned programs for companies like United Airlines and AT&T.
Current Work and Impact
At present, Shikhil Sharma continues to drive innovation at Astra Security. His leadership is pivotal as the company evolves its continuous pentesting solutions, integrating AI to offer scalable and efficient cybersecurity measures. Astra's services are utilized by over 800 companies worldwide, impacting sectors ranging from healthcare to finance by ensuring robust security protocols that align with modern threats. Shikhil's emphasis on incorporating AI is redefining industry standards, prompting other cybersecurity providers to adopt similar strategies.
Conclusion
Shikhil Sharma's contributions to cybersecurity extend beyond his work at Astra Security. His efforts have not only fortified the defenses of numerous organizations but also established new benchmarks in automating security assessments via AI. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, Shikhil's role in pioneering sophisticated, continuous testing methodologies positions him as a formidable force in shaping the future of cybersecurity. His dedication ensures that businesses can sustainably and effectively safeguard their operations against an increasingly complex threat environment.