We live in an age where everything about our conversations, decisions, habits, even emotions is increasingly shaped by data. “From unlocking our phones with a fingerprint to streaming personalised playlists, to online shopping” that somehow knows exactly what we need before we do our digital footprints are growing larger by the day.This massive data boom has made life smoother, smarter, and more connected. Businesses thrive on it, governments make decisions based on it, and even our social lives are wrapped around it. But with this convenience comes a critical question: how secure is this world we’ve built on data?As we hand over more of our personal and professional lives to the digital space, security becomes not just a concern it becomes a responsibility. And unfortunately, not everyone is equipped to handle that responsibility. The truth is, for all the talk of innovation and digital transformation, we’re still playing catch-up when it comes to protecting the very systems we rely on. And that's where the story of cybersecurity, and experts like Falgun Rathod, begins.Digital Literacy: More Than Just Knowing How to Use a PhoneLet’s face it, being “online” isn’t a skill anymore. It’s a basic need. But understanding the digital world? That’s a different story. Digital literacy goes beyond scrolling social media or sending emails. It’s about understanding the risks, knowing how to spot red flags, and protecting yourself and your data from misuse and cyber attacks.Phishing attacks, data theft, online scams, fake job postings aren't rare incidents anymore. They’re part of everyday headlines. And the worst part? A large portion of these attacks succeed simply because users don’t know better.But that’s starting to change, thanks to Cyber Security Awareness.How is Cybersecurity changing the Digital World?It’s not just about firewalls and passwords anymore; it’s about teaching people how to spot a fake link, question a shady email, or think twice before sharing personal info online.Cybersecurity is quickly becoming a key part of what it means to be digitally literate. It's helping people not just use the internet, but use it smartly and safely. And that shift? It’s being driven by none other than India’s one of the top Ethical Hackers, Falgun Rathod.With over 10,000 plus cybersecurity sessions conducted globally, Falgun has become the first Indian to hit this incredible milestone in the cyber security field.Talking about Falgun Rathod’s journey, it began in the world of uncertainty, but with a desire for a meaningful career. Always passionate about computers, he joined the Bachelor of Computers course and while experimenting with side jobs and working in retail, he stumbled upon a hacker community on Orkut, which sparked his passion for ethical hacking. And that’s when everything changed.Cybersecurity, then still a niche field, captivated Falgun. He immersed himself in learning, built the skills of an ethical hacker, and gradually began consulting for both state and central government agencies.In 2011, he founded Cyber Octet, a cybersecurity company in Ahmedabad, Gujarat that has since grown to cater to over 350+ top private and government clients in India, Canada, and the UAE. The company is now recognised as one of the top two promising IoT security providers globally, with plans to expand even further.Falgun has earned numerous accolades, including being the first Indian featured on the cover of a cybersecurity magazine in Poland and recognition from the US Department of Defense.Fast forward to today, Cyber Octet has emerged as a go-to next-gen cybersecurity company, specialising in IoT and infrastructure security with a strong focus on real-time threat intelligence and ethical hacking solutions. Alongside its core services, the company is widely recognised for its advanced cybersecurity training programs, having trained over 55,000+ students and professionals and young freshers across India and beyond via offline as well as online sessions.These sessions are hands-on, certification-driven, designed to meet global industry standards and with placement guidance, covering areas like ethical hacking, network defense, advanced cyber security, and IoT security.Future Trends That Will Shape Cyber Security and Digital WorldThe cybersecurity world is rapidly transforming with new challenges and breakthroughs happening faster than ever. In the coming years, we’ll see a surge in AI-driven attacks as cybercriminals become more sophisticated, enhanced use of machine learning to exploit vulnerabilities faster than traditional defenses.  For India, this means a rising need for advanced cybersecurity measures and awareness across both public and private sectors. As digital technologies like IoT, 5G, and AI expand, securing critical infrastructure and protecting personal data will be crucial.Firstly, start by prioritising security in early stages, using strong passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) across your systems. Secondly, train your team to spot phishing attempts and practice safe online behavior by making them cyber aware. Finally, have an incident response plan in place to act quickly if an attack occurs. These steps will help keep you digitally aware and safeguard your business while also keeping the costs manageable, says Falgun.