Since its inception in 2020, Yubico for Free Speech has not only celebrated moments in time with partner organizations but has also donated YubiKeys to over 45 organizations in 20 different countries – all of which was possible thanks to Yubico’s customers.
Yubico for Free Speech, a program where Yubico donates one YubiKey for every 20 sold on Yubico.com, is dedicated to donating to organizations and individuals defending freedom of press, human rights, and election security. Given the positive response we’ve received, we’re excited to announce that we’re expanding the program to reach even more populations that need digital security.
Secure it Forward
Now called the Secure it Forward program, the initiative will include additional organizations focused on furthering diversity in the technology and information security industry, with the goal of reaching even more communities, and continuing Yubico’s mission of donating to nonprofits and individuals who are in need of up-leveling their security with the YubiKey.
For anyone who has purchased a YubiKey from our store, you are helping get hardware security keys in the hands of those at risk, and we thank you for your support.
Here’s what some of the organizations and people who received a YubiKey through the Secure it Forward program are saying about the importance of digital security:
- “As a staff member with an organization that serves a diverse audience, I want to help protect our attendees’ privacy and security. Yubico’s generous donation to The Diana Initiative made it easier for me to use multifactor authentication through a hardware key as part of a layered approach to security.” – Tabatha DiDomenico, Registration and Swag, The Diana Initiative
- “Hardware authentication security keys are the most effective way to stop phishing and account takeover there is. Everyone should consider using one.” – Jon Callas, Director of Technology Projects at an organization associated with Yubico’s program
- “Whether by hacking groups or individual harassers, by far one of the most common tactics we see levied against journalists is phishing attacks. This is why we always advise against password reuse, and urge the use of two-factor authentication. “When it needs to be truly locked down, security keys – such as a YubiKey – are crucial.” — Dr. Martin Shelton, Principal Researcher, Freedom of the Press Foundation
- “Those with higher profiles face increased information security challenges—these individuals can rely on multi-factor authentication devices, such as Yubikeys, and password managers to ensure their personal and professional security on the myriad platforms we all use on a day-to-day basis.” – Rob Ben-Frenette, O.N.B., Executive Director, BullyingInternational Family of Charities
The Secure it Forward program is critical in helping protect organizations and individuals from sophisticated cyber security attacks that are often deployed in an attempt to silence their voices.
To learn more, join us for a fireside chat on Tuesday, October 5 at 9 a.m. PT. The panelists, made up of leading journalists and human rights activists, will discuss the realities of what at-risk populations experience with their digital and physical safety, why security is crucial when it comes to journalists and human rights activists, and more on Yubico’s donation program. To learn more or to sign up, please click here.
If you are an organization working in free speech, human rights, election security, or diversity in cybersecurity and technology, and would like to leverage the YubiKey for your team or the individuals you assist, then please get in touch with us through our Secure it Forward Program.
Additionally, if you’re a journalist and in need of a YubiKey, please reach out to any of the organizations mentioned or you can get in touch by requesting a unit here.
