Phishing Risks Are Rising for Teens: Here's How YubiKey Is Playing a Role in Digital Safety

The internet has opened unprecedented opportunities for creativity, learning, and connection. But for teenagers growing up in an always-connected world, those opportunities increasingly come with risks. Cybersecurity experts warn that young people are facing a growing wave of sophisticated online scams, many powered by artificial intelligence and social engineering techniques.

A recent survey by Yubico underscores the challenge. According to the findings, Gen Z is currently the most susceptible demographic to phishing, with 62 percent reporting engagement with a scam within the past year. As digital identities become central to education, communication, and future careers, the need for stronger protections and better awareness has become urgent.

Why Phishing Is Becoming Harder to Spot

Phishing attacks are no longer limited to poorly written emails or obvious fake websites. Modern scams often mimic trusted brands, exploit social platforms, and use AI-generated messages that feel authentic and personalized. For teens who spend much of their time online, distinguishing between legitimate interactions and malicious ones can be increasingly difficult.

While awareness campaigns have improved over time, access to phishing-resistant security tools remains limited for many young users. This gap between knowledge and protection has prompted new approaches that combine education with hands-on experience.

A New Partnership Focused on Digital Confidence

This week, YubiKeys became available for purchase in 350 Best Buy stores nationwide. The rollout coincides with a new partnership between Yubico and the Best Buy Foundation through Yubico's Secure it Forward program. The collaboration is designed to bring modern digital security tools and education directly to teens through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers across the United States.

As part of the initiative, Yubico is providing nearly 600 phishing-resistant security keys to almost 30 Teen Tech Centers. Along with the keys, participating teens receive educational materials and guided instruction aimed at helping them understand digital identity, account protection, and safe online practices.

Inside Best Buy Teen Tech Centers

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, an initiative of the Best Buy Foundation, are creative community spaces where young people can explore technology, mentorship, and potential career paths. These centers offer hands-on learning opportunities in areas such as digital media, coding, robotics, music production, and design.

By integrating cybersecurity education into these environments, the program helps teens build confidence alongside technical skills. Participants learn not only how online attacks work, but also how to protect their accounts using phishing-resistant methods that are increasingly recommended by security professionals.

Olivia Jefferson, vice president of social impact at Best Buy, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting that the partnership is about helping young people explore technology "safely and responsibly" as they prepare for future careers.

Beyond the Hardware: Making Security Approachable

The initiative extends beyond simply distributing security keys. Each Teen Tech Center receives customized resources designed to make cybersecurity concepts accessible and engaging.

Adult coordinators are provided with step-by-step setup guides to help them configure and adopt security keys themselves. Demo materials introduce topics like digital identity and online safety through interactive activities such as games and workshops. Youth-friendly posters reinforce practical security habits in a way that feels approachable rather than intimidating.

By pairing hands-on tools with education, the program gives teens practical experience they can apply in school, work, and everyday online life.

A Broader Effort to Make Security Accessible

The partnership is part of Yubico's Secure it Forward initiative, a philanthropic program that provides phishing-resistant security keys to communities that may not otherwise have access to them. The program's goal is to make strong digital security practical and inclusive, especially as online threats continue to evolve.

Building on its work with the Best Buy Foundation, Yubico plans to expand Secure it Forward throughout 2026, with the aim of reaching more Teen Tech Centers and empowering additional young people with the skills and confidence to navigate the digital world safely.

Preparing the Next Generation for a Safer Digital Future

As technology becomes more embedded in daily life, digital safety is no longer optional. For teens especially, learning how to protect online identities is as essential as learning how to code or create.

By combining education, community partnerships, and modern security tools, initiatives like Secure it Forward reflect a growing recognition that building a safer digital future starts with access, awareness, and confidence—one secure account at a time.