Technology can be a great equalizer — but only if the strongest protection is within reach. Since 2022, Yubico has donated more than 65,000 YubiKeys to hundreds of organizations worldwide — a retail value of over $3.3 million. Each key helps strengthen digital protection for those doing vital work in their communities. This isn’t just about distributing hardware — it’s about giving people the confidence to keep doing what matters most, whether that’s reporting the news, defending democracy, advocating for equality, or supporting the next generation just getting started in tech.
This impact is made possible through Secure it Forward, Yubico’s philanthropic initiative that puts free phishing-resistant YubiKeys in the hands of individuals and groups facing heightened digital threats. Secure it Forward is built on a straightforward, but powerful mission: paying security forward to the vulnerable populations that need it most.
Each partnership within Secure it Forward is unique, but the goal is always the same: make strong, phishing-resistant security easier to access around the world. Together with our partners, we’ve helped journalists protect their sources, civil rights advocates safeguard their communications, and nonprofits continue their vital work without the constant fear of account takeovers.
Secure it Forward in the real world: Connecting with the global community
Earlier this month, we had the honor of attending Global Gathering 2025 in Estoril, Portugal – a three-day event uniting leaders and practitioners at the intersection of technology, human rights, and civil society. This event is one of the most powerful convenings of its kind, bringing together more than 500 participants from over 100 countries, representing more than 1,000 organizations.
One of the highlights for us was sharing a booth with ARTICLE 19, a Secure it Forward program partner. ARTICLE 19 is a UK-based, international nonprofit that works to defend and promote the right to freedom of expression and information globally, as inspired by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organization conducts research, policy analysis, advocacy, and campaigns to combat censorship, protect journalists, expand civic space, and ensure digital rights are human rights.
Together with ARTICLE 19, we provided hands-on support for the Global Gathering community – from donating YubiKeys to attendees who needed them, to sharing simple, practical resources to help strengthen digital security.
For us, it was both humbling and energizing. We had the chance to listen, learn, and connect directly with the very communities Secure it Forward is designed to support. Walking away from Estoril, one thing was clear: the work ahead is urgent, but it’s also collaborative. The conversations we had, and the connections we made, reaffirmed why Secure it Forward exists.
Looking ahead
For all of the work we’re proud of, Secure it Forward still has a lot more to accomplish. As cyber threats evolve – especially in an age of AI-driven attacks – the need to make phishing-resistant security accessible has never been greater. That’s why we’ll continue scaling the program, deepening partnerships, developing new resources to support education and training, and reaching across borders to close the security gap.
This program isn’t just about technology – it’s about people. Secure it Forward is our way of ensuring that those defending rights, telling the truth, or leading change can do so securely. Together with our partners and community, we’re shaping a future where strong digital security is something everyone can count on.
Curious to learn more about the real-world impact of the program? Hear directly from a few of our partners – Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Freedom of the Press Foundation, and Defending Digital Campaigns – to see how Secure it Forward is helping them stay secure.
Interested in applying for Yubico’s Secure it Forward program? Check out more information on the program here to see if you could be a fit, and apply today!
