9
Seconds
for a
Safer
World

9 Seconds for a Safer World

Cyber threats are everywhere. And getting sneakier. What can you do to protect yourself, your community and our nation? Take a 9-second pause and think before you click, download, share. A short pause goes a long way.

Illustration of blank computer monitors arranged in a grid, representing a cybersecurity theme.

SECURITY STARTS WITH THE DEVICES YOU TRUST

Apple, Google, and Microsoft devices come with built-in ways to protect you. We’ll help you understand what your device is already doing, and show you what steps to take to make it even stronger.

Protect yourself

Take9 to
protect
yourself
and
your country

Take9 is a public service campaign created by Craig Newmark Philanthropies and a coalition of our nation’s top cybersecurity organizations.

And now, a word from our sponsor… 

Stay Informed

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The Power of Positive Pause

Illustration of a head with multiple eyes representing awareness

If something seems off or too good to be true, it usually is. Trust your cyber senses. Protect yourself and others. Just Take9—pause for 9 seconds.

Why 9?

Science says: In stressful situations, wait 10 seconds before responding.

Marketing says: 9 seconds sounds more doable than 10 seconds, just like 99¢ sounds a whole lot cheaper than $1.00.

We believe 9 seconds ought to do it—not too long, not too hard, but time enough to make a better decision.

Illustration of a head with multiple eyes representing awareness

What you can do

Cyber threats are a moving target.

That’s why we update this section regularly with new tips and guidance. These small steps are your foundation. Start here and keep building.

USE A
Password Manager An app used to generate, store, and manage passwords securely.

A password manager securely creates and remembers strong passwords for you. It can be an app, a browser feature, or already part of your device.

We recommend Keeper - a secure, easy-to-use password manager that keeps your logins safe and organized.

Update Your
Software A collection of programs and data that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks.

Software updates fix security vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. Install updates promptly to protect personal and community information.

Here’s how to enable auto security updates for iPhone, Android, Mac and Windows.

Avoid the
Phishing Hook

Scammers bait you with fake offers and links–it’s called Phishing A fraudulent practice in which attackers trick people into revealing sensitive information or installing malicious software. for a reason. Think before you click, and report anything suspicious.

Our Partners

By partnering with key collaborators like Aspen Digital and other leading organizations, Take9 enhances citizen cyber education, develops cutting-edge cyber tools, and advances workforce programs to safeguard our communities and nation.

Our partners include:
92NY
Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering
Aspen Digital
Aspen Policy Academy
Atlantic Council
Baddies in Tech
BC Voices
Better Business Bureau
Black Girls Hack
Blue Star Families
Bob Woodruff Foundation
California Voter Foundation
Campaign Verify
Center for Cyber Safety and Education
Center for Internet Security
Center for Long Term Cybersecurity
Common Sense Media
Consumer Action
Consumer Reports
Cornell's Brooks Tech Policy Institute
Cyber Civil Rights Initiative
Cyber Collective
Cyber Innovation Center
Cyber Guardians for Democracy
CyberPeace Institute
Cyber Threat Alliance
CyberWA
Digital Democracy Institute of the Americas
DoSomething
Education & Leadership Foundation
Electronic Frontier Foundation
Electric Privacy
Information Center
EveryoneOn
Fight Cybercrime
Food and Ag-ISAC
Gate 15
GASA
Geena Davis Institute
Girls Who Code
Girls Who Hack
Global Cyber Alliance
Hack Club
Hispanic Tech &
Telecommunications Partnerships
Institute for Security and Technology
Internet Security Research Group
IT-ISAC
International Women's Media Foundation
LifeSmarts
Maryland STEM Fest
MassCyberCenter
National Cyber Alliance
National Governors Association
NDCA
NGO-ISAC
NPower
RAND
Rural Digital Youth Resiliency Project
R Street
Retail and Hospitality ISAC
Right to Be
Secure Community Network
The Shadowserver Foundation
#ShareTheMicInCyber
Superbloom
TechCongress
TechSoup
The Public Service Alliance
University of San Francisco
Urban Libraries Council
VetsinTech
Wikimedia NYC
Women in CyberSecurity

Stay Informed

Stay up to date to keep yourself, your community, and your country safe.

(Just remember to pause for 9 seconds—and Take9 before you sign!)

We take care so you can safely share.