Secure it Forward Spotlight: Cybersecurity as a key foundation for civic infrastructure

Every year on September 15, International Day of Democracy recognizes the right of people to participate, stay informed and have a voice in public life. Increasingly, those activities take place in digital spaces. Online platforms now serve as modern town squares where local journalists publish vital reporting, community organizers coordinate programs, and citizens connect directly with civic groups.

However, as civic activity shifts online, it faces complex digital risks. Organizations supporting public engagement, independent media, and civic processes must continuously navigate targeted threats to their communications, data and digital identities. When a journalist’s email is compromised or a community group loses access to its network, the impact can spread far beyond a single inbox, disrupting the work and communications that communities rely on. In this environment, cybersecurity isn’t a technical luxury; it is basic civic infrastructure. Building digital resilience requires more than strong security. It also requires practical tools, education and support that fit the realities of the organizations using them. That’s the idea behind Secure it Forward, Yubico’s initiative dedicated to making strong security more accessible to the individuals and organizations who need it most.

Through the program, Yubico donates YubiKeys to nonprofit and civil society organizations, alongside educational resources and support. The program’s growth reflects this need: in 2025, the number of new organizations joining Secure it Forward grew by more than 300%.

Strengthening the foundations of civic resilience: Concrete impact through global partnerships

Secure it Forward’s impact is made possible through partnerships with organizations that bring specialized expertise and reach to the communities they serve. Two examples are eQualitie and Defending Digital Campaigns.

• eQualitie: As a Canadian charitable organization, eQualitie develops technologies and delivers hands-on support to enhance community infrastructure, media security, and data protection in environments where digital access and security can be challenging. Through Secure it Forward, Yubico is supporting eQualitie’s hands-on approach to digital resilience, providing 900 YubiKeys in 2026 to complement its customized security training and support for civil society, media and other organizations working in challenging digital environments.
• Defending Digital Campaigns (DDC): Civic processes rely heavily on secure digital accounts and communications. As a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, DDC provides cybersecurity tools and training to eligible political campaigns and committees. Since establishing the partnership, Yubico has provided more than 35,000 YubiKeys to DDC for distribution, helping protect the campaigns and communications that underpin civic engagement.

While eQualitie and DDC operate in different environments, both partnerships demonstrate a shared principle: protecting digital identities and communications is part of strengthening the infrastructure that supports civic participation.

On this International Day of Democracy, it’s worth remembering that resilience is built through the everyday ability of people and organizations to connect, share ideas, and engage securely. Yubico is proud to work alongside global partners to reinforce these digital foundations.

Learn more about Secure it Forward and Yubico’s mission to expand access to stronger security: https://www.yubico.com/why-yubico/secure-it-forward/

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