When most kids his age were immersed in online games during lockdown, Shubhank Singhai was busy trying to break into them—not to cheat, but to understand how they worked. That spark of curiosity ignited a journey that has already made him one of the youngest cybersecurity experts in the world.

Along the way, he set remarkable records, including recognition in the Golden Book of World Records and the India Book of Records. But as Shubhank emphasizes, these were milestones, not the destination. His story is about relentless self-learning, passion-driven discipline, and the courage to create opportunities in an industry still finding its footing in India.

Despite still being in Class 11, Shubhank has already worked with giants like Google, Spotify, and the Computer Society of India, helping them plug vulnerabilities before malicious hackers could exploit them.

A Journey Born from Curiosity

Shubhank’s fascination with cybersecurity began during the Covid lockdown.
“While most kids were spending their time playing games, I became curious about how technology actually works and how systems can be protected,” he recalls.

What started as hours spent watching YouTube tutorials soon evolved into structured self-research and practical experiments. By Class 9, he joined a professional institute in Ahmedabad to formalize his learning.

“The courses were expensive and options were limited in India. That forced me to depend on self-learning, which ultimately made me more independent and confident,” Shubhank explains.

To overcome the high cost of courses, Shubhank turned to Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions where participants solve cybersecurity challenges to test and sharpen their skills. Not only did these contests provide invaluable practical exposure, but they also helped him secure multiple scholarships.

This persistence paid off. In 2024, he first achieved recognition in the India Book of Records. Soon after, he became the youngest Certified Information Security and Ethical Hacker (CISEH) in India and later cleared the CEH exam, becoming the youngest in the world to earn the credential.

Spotting a Gap in the Market

Even as a teenager, Shubhank recognized something many industry veterans had overlooked: cybersecurity awareness in India was lagging far behind its growing digital footprint.

“Government bodies and private companies have only recently started taking cybersecurity seriously. Until now, awareness and investment were very limited, which left organizations vulnerable,” he notes.

This gap presented both a challenge and an opportunity. Acting as a one-man startup, Shubhank began offering penetration testing services to organizations.

Major Challenges on the Road to Success

Breaking into the cybersecurity world was not easy. High course fees and limited access to quality mentorship were initial hurdles.

“Most cybersecurity courses were very expensive, and there were very few institutes teaching proper, in-depth cybersecurity. To overcome this, I relied heavily on self-research, practical experiments, and consistent practice,” Shubhank shares.

Another challenge was credibility. As a teenager approaching global organizations, he had to prove that his skills were more than just theoretical. His record-setting achievements provided that validation.

Milestones That Mattered

The defining moment of Shubhank’s journey came when he became the world’s youngest CEH.

“This achievement not only gave me recognition but also opened up opportunities to connect with experts and professionals in the field.”

Collaborating with leading organizations to test their digital defenses gave him real-world exposure that most professionals only gain after years of experience.

Vision for the Future

Though he has already made a mark globally, Shubhank’s ambitions are firmly rooted in India’s future.

“Looking ahead, I aim to establish an institute to train and mentor aspiring cybersecurity professionals, creating a new generation of skilled ethical hackers,” he explains.

Over the next five years, he plans to grow his consulting practice, take on more challenging projects, and develop affordable, accessible training programs.

His ultimate dream?
To make India a global hub for cybersecurity talent.

Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Shubhank’s story offers several takeaways:

• Curiosity is the best fuel. Passion drives persistence.

• Self-learning is a superpower. Free resources can rival formal training.

• Recognition opens doors, but value keeps them open.

• Spot the gap, then fill it.

• Think beyond yourself. Success is about lifting others as you climb.

A Glimpse into the Mind of a Teen Hacker

Despite his accomplishments, Shubhank remains humble.

“Every time I find a vulnerability and help fix it, I feel I am making the digital world safer. That is what keeps me going.”

He also emphasizes discipline and ethical responsibility.

Conclusion: The Hacker Who Builds, Not Breaks

At an age when most teenagers are still figuring out their careers, Shubhank Singhai is already helping some of the biggest companies secure their digital infrastructure. His journey proves that talent knows no age limit.

The next chapter in his story is just beginning. If his vision comes to life, India may soon become a breeding ground for world-class ethical hackers.

Connect with Shubhank Singhai

• LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/shubhank-singhai

• Instagram:instagram.com/shubhanksinghai

• Email:shubhanksinghai123@gmail.com

If you are an aspiring ethical hacker, Shubhank’s message is clear: Start now, stay curious, and don’t wait for perfect conditions. The future of cybersecurity needs builders, not breakers—and you could be one of them.