Craig Newmark's $100 Million Cybersecurity Pledge
Craig Newmark, the visionary behind the widely-used online classifieds platform Craigslist, has turned his attention to a pressing issue in the United States: cybersecurity. Now a prominent philanthropist, Newmark is dedicating a substantial portion of his wealth—**$100 million**—to bolster the nation’s defenses against escalating cyber threats.
Allocation of Funds
Newmark plans to split this donation into two major areas: protection of infrastructure and public education. A significant $50 million will be directed towards safeguarding critical infrastructure such as power grids, which are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks from both domestic and international adversaries. The remaining $50 million will support initiatives aimed at educating the general public on how to protect their personal information from cybercriminals.
The Cybersecurity Challenge
Newmark articulates that "the country is under attack," highlighting the urgent need for champions in the fight against cyber threats. In our increasingly connected world, household smart devices expose individuals to potential hacking risks, while corporations face mounting cyberattacks. This was illustrated by recent incidents such as the attack on CDK Global, which disrupted auto dealerships nationwide, and the infiltration of Change Healthcare, affecting U.S. healthcare operations.
Supporting Cybersecurity Initiatives
Part of Newmark's commitment includes funding a University of Chicago public policy project that trains cybersecurity volunteers to fortify local infrastructures. Additional beneficiaries include Common Sense Media, which focuses on child internet safety. Newmark's philanthropic organization, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, invites applications from entities seeking to bolster cybersecurity efforts.
Newmark's Philanthropic Vision
On his foundation’s website, Newmark expresses his funding philosophy: he supports organizations he trusts, allowing them autonomy in utilizing the resources provided. Besides cybersecurity, his philanthropic interests extend to supporting military families, advocating for trustworthy journalism, and even pigeon rescue. His approach is hands-off; he states, "I find people who are really good at their jobs, and who can tolerate my sense of humor. I provide them with resources, and then get outta their way."
Newmark's substantial pledge underscores the critical nature of cybersecurity challenges today and encourages collective action to protect national infrastructure and personal data.
