SANTA CLARA, CALIF. & STOCKHOLM -- In an era marked by escalating cyber threats, Yubico (NASDAQ STOCKHOLM: YUBICO), the leading provider of hardware authentication security keys, empowered the future of cybersecurity leaders by recently providing YubiKeys to over 20 youth-led hackathon and tech events through its Secure It Forward program.

Investing in youth-led organizations that run hackathons is a vital step for cybersecurity companies committed to fostering the next generation of security experts. Especially critical today in the ever-evolving security threat landscape, these events not only provide young innovators with hands-on experience in tackling real-world cyber threats but also help drive innovation, promote ethical hacking, and strengthen global efforts to secure the internet for businesses, individuals, and communities alike.

“As we see cyber threats continue to rise globally, it’s more important than ever to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools and support they need to secure the future,” said Ronnie Manning, chief brand advocate at Yubico. “Since day one, our mission at Yubico has been to make the internet safer for everyone - not just through innovation and advancing open standards, but by investing in real-world experiences for young minds to grow, learn and lead in cybersecurity.”

Over the last 10 months, Yubico has proudly supported the following organizations around the world including:

“Hackathons provide students with an opportunity to gain hands-on cybersecurity experience outside the classroom,” said Nick Donovan, Computer Security Group, UT Dallas. “These events are critical for students. Events like TexSAW invert the standard approach used by several universities that may not have practical cybersecurity training. These events prepare students to start a successful career in the field.”

Formalized in 2021, Yubico’s Secure it Forward program was established to provide security keys to help those most at-risk, donating them to nonprofit organizations, election campaigns, journalists, hackathons, and humanitarian workers around the world. Yubico has donated more than 65,000 YubiKeys to hundreds of organizations in over 20 countries including: The Civil Rights Defenders, The Anti-Defamation League, Freedom of the Press, and Defending Digital Campaigns.

Yubico’s commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations such as the Computer Security Group, UT Dallas reflects the company’s ongoing dedication to strengthening the cybersecurity ecosystem by nurturing young talent and encouraging a passion for problem-solving and innovation. The company’s support spans multiple youth hackathon events throughout the year, offering opportunities for high school and college students to gain hands-on experience in building secure systems and tackling real-world cybersecurity challenges.