A push for cybersecurity philanthropic giving launches

Over nearly a decade, cybersecurity-related philanthropic giving has constituted a fraction of one percent of the billions of dollars devoted to peace and security causes.

An open letter Friday signed by trade associations, non-profits, charitable foundations, think tanks and well-known cybersecurity professionals aims to change that trend as part of what could be a series of future steps.

“We believe that private philanthropy is ideally suited to support the development of an emerging field of theorists and practitioners across cybersecurity domains,” reads the letter. “Anyone who cares about national security, innovation, economic development, personal privacy, or civil liberties should care about cybersecurity. Private philanthropy is a critical missing piece to meet this urgent need.”