The internet offers incredible possibilities – full of creativity and learning – but it also comes with risks, especially for young people navigating a world that’s more connected than ever. A recent Yubico survey highlighted this point: Gen Z is the most susceptible demographic to phishing, with 62% reporting engagement with a scam in the past year.
Teens are growing up in a world where AI-driven phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, yet awareness and access to the strongest protections remain limited. This makes it clear: if we want young people to thrive online, we need to give them the tools and knowledge to protect themselves.
This week, YubiKeys became available for purchase at 350 Best Buy stores nationwide, which is why we are so excited to launch a new partnership through Yubico’s Secure it Forward program, teaming up with the Best Buy Foundation® to support Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® and the youth they serve. Yubico is providing nearly 600 free keys to nearly 30 Teen Tech Centers throughout the U.S. Along with the keys, teens receive educational materials and hands-on guidance, helping them learn to use phishing-resistant security keys and build confidence in their digital safety – a reflection of Yubico’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities we’re part of and giving youth the tools they need to stay safe and confident online.
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, an initiative of the Best Buy Foundation, are a network of creative, youth-centered community hubs where young people can explore technology, mentorship, and future career pathways. At each Teen Tech Center, youth have the opportunity to engage in digital media, coding, robotics, music, and design – all while gaining mentorship and exposure to potential careers.
Olivia Jefferson, vice president, social impact at Best Buy, had this to say about the exciting partnership: “We’re proud to partner with Yubico through its Secure it Forward program to make digital security more accessible for the next generation. Together, we’re helping young people build the confidence and curiosity to explore technology safely and responsibly as they discover their passions and prepare for the careers of the future.”
Beyond the YubiKey: Customized resources for community needs
To make the program hands-on and engaging, the Teen Tech Centers are receiving a set of customized resources alongside the YubiKeys. Each center’s adult coordinators will get a step-by-step Set-Up Guide to configure their own keys so they can adopt digital security best practices and experience first hand how easy it is to make their online accounts more secure. They’ll also receive a Demo Guide that is designed to introduce concepts of online safety and digital identity into youth programming, with fun, interactive activities like Whack-a-Hacker and Digital Security Bingo. And finally, we partnered with the Best Buy Foundation to create a youth-friendly poster that gives teens practical tips and a playful introduction to YubiKeys, helping them build confidence online and develop safe digital habits – check out the poster below.
By pairing the keys with these educational tools, the program not only makes modern cybersecurity accessible and approachable but also gives teens practical experience with phishing-resistant security and the ability to apply it in school, work, and everyday life.
Securing the future – one YubiKey at a time: Join the movement
This support is made possible through Yubico’s Secure it Forward initiative, our philanthropic program that provides free phishing-resistant YubiKeys to those who need them most. Its mission is simple: make strong security accessible and practical for everyone. Each partnership is unique, but the goal is always the same: helping individuals and communities strengthen their digital security. Building on our work with the Best Buy Foundation, we’re excited to expand this program throughout 2026, aiming to reach all Teen Tech Centers and give more youth the tools and confidence to stay safer online.
Providing access to the right tools and education is the first step toward a more secure digital world. If you want to learn more about the impact of Secure it Forward, or if your organization is interested in partnering with us, visit our website today. And don’t forget to stop by your local Best Buy to get a YubiKey and join us in building a safer, more confident digital future.
