Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting systems and devices; It’s about protecting the people, organizations and communities that depend on them. Across the world, a growing network of cyber defenders is working behind the scenes to help others stay safe online. They train nonprofit teams, share threat intelligence, respond to incidents and help organizations navigate an increasingly complex threat landscape.

That’s why supporting cyber defenders is an important part of Secure it Forward, Yubico’s social impact initiative focused on extending strong security to those who need it most.

When people think about cybersecurity, they often picture large enterprises, government agencies or security operations centers. But some of the most important cybersecurity work happens in nonprofit organizations, community networks and mission-driven groups dedicated to improving digital security for others. 

These organizations serve as force multipliers. Rather than protecting a single organization, they help strengthen security across entire sectors by sharing expertise, resources and support.

Their work may include:

• Sharing threat intelligence and security best practices
• Delivering cybersecurity education and training
• Supporting incident response and recovery efforts
• Helping nonprofits improve cyber resilience
• Building digital security capacity within vulnerable communities
• Creating trusted networks for collaboration and information sharing

As cyber threats continue to grow in scale and sophistication, these organizations play a critical role in helping communities prepare for and respond to emerging risks.

Spotlight: NGO-ISAC

One example of this work in action is our partnership with NGO-ISAC (Information Sharing and Analysis Center). NGO-ISAC helps U.S.-based nonprofit organizations strengthen their cybersecurity preparedness through trusted information sharing, threat intelligence, resources and peer collaboration. By bringing organizations together around a shared mission, NGO-ISAC helps improve security across the nonprofit sector.

Earlier this year, Yubico and NGO-ISAC hosted “Strengthening Digital Resilience in a High-Risk Landscape,” a briefing attended by more than 70 nonprofit organizations. The session explored the evolving threat landscape facing NGOs and provided practical guidance on strengthening digital security, including modern authentication approaches, the important role of passkeys and security keys, and best practices for protecting the systems and accounts organizations rely on every day.

In addition, Yubico donated 300 YubiKeys to support NGO-ISAC members and was recognized as a sponsor of the organization’s annual conference, where nonprofit cybersecurity leaders gathered to discuss emerging threats and share best practices for strengthening security across the sector. This partnership has also helped extend the reach of Secure it Forward, with more than 10 organizations from the NGO-ISAC community joining the program this year.

Cybersecurity is a team sport

No single organization can solve cybersecurity challenges alone. Building a safer digital world requires technology providers, nonprofits, educators, community leaders and cybersecurity practitioners working together toward a common goal.

As Secure it Forward continues to grow, we are always looking for opportunities to partner with cyber defenders and mission-driven organizations that are advancing cybersecurity education, strengthening digital resilience, or expanding access to stronger security practices. 

If you’re interested in learning more about Secure it Forward or exploring partnership opportunities with Yubico, visit: https://www.yubico.com/why-yubico/secure-it-forward/