Cyber Collective creates spaces where people from all walks of life can come together to talk about something that affects us all: online safety. Whether it’s data privacy, cybersecurity, or digital well-being, the reality is that these issues touch everyone, whether we realize it or not.

Most people experience them in fragmented ways — through security training at work, hearing about the latest data breach on the news, or, unfortunately, when a loved one falls victim to a cyberattack. These moments leave us in a state of vulnerability and confusion. We’ve seen it countless times. People know there’s something they should be doing, but the weight of responsibility can be overwhelming.

Through hosting workshops and community conversations, we’ve learned that online safety is bigger than knowing how to avoid a phishing scam. It’s about protecting each other, just like we do in real life. It’s about bringing that sense of vigilance and care into the digital space.

Think about how you feel when you’re walking home late at night. Your senses heighten, your eyes scan the street, and you stay alert. Maybe you even glance over at the person walking a few feet in front of you, just to make sure they’re okay. That’s street smarts — it’s an instinct we all share. We know how to protect ourselves and those around us when something feels off. We look out for each other.

Just like you’d help a stranger zip up their bag on a crowded subway or call out to someone who dropped their phone, we need to look out for each other online. Internet Street Smarts is not just about knowing how to avoid cyber threats. It’s about learning to be digitally vigilant the way we’re vigilant in the real world.

The Cyber Collective team designed the Internet Street Smarts course around community. We believe that Internet Street Smarts isn’t just about personal safety — it’s about building a future where we all look out for each other. It’s about reclaiming our power in a world that often feels overwhelming and teaching those around us to do the same.

Black and Brown communities, immigrants, and low-income households face heightened vulnerability to cyber threats, often lacking the resources to protect themselves online. Studies show that nearly 70% of these groups are disproportionately affected, perpetuating systemic harm. Cyber Collective is committed to bridging this gap with targeted education and tools to ensure digital safety for all.

Solidarity in our digital world is about showing up for each other the way we do in real life — parents teaching their children how to stay safe online, a friend who knows how to spot a scam warning her group chat, an adult child setting up security measures for his family because he knows they won’t do it themselves. When it comes to online safety, we cannot do this alone.

Cybercrime isn’t just an inconvenience — it’s a deeply traumatic experience. Imagine losing your life savings to a scam. Imagine seeing personal photos or private information exposed to the world. For some people, especially those who don’t start from a place of privilege, a cyberattack can change the course of their lives forever.

When speaking with people who have experienced cybercrime, they express feelings of fear, shame, and helplessness. In addition to the loss of property, their sense of security is shaken, and their safety is violated. Those formidable feelings are long-lasting. The Identity Theft Resource Center reveals that 66% of victims of social media account takeovers report experiencing strong emotional reactions, including stress and anxiety.

What we’re building at Cyber Collective is meant to address cybercrime head-on by empowering people with simple, hands-on ways to build digital instincts. Information is necessary but it isn’t enough. When you’re in the moment – when your account gets hacked, or you get a call from your mom saying she clicked on a suspicious link – you’ll have the critical skills to protect yourself in today’s digital landscape.

From our workshops, we’ve learned that people need more than awareness and education. They need to feel like they’re not alone. That’s why we rely on you, our community, not just to take our free Internet Street Smarts course but to contribute to it to make it better. Whether you’re a subject matter expert, a concerned friend, a community leader, or someone who has experienced cybercrime, help us build something that not only educates but empowers.

Together, we can create a world where digital vigilance is second nature — just like street smarts in real life.

In solidarity,

Cyber Collective