As cybersecurity threats exploit vulnerabilities in our digital spaces, increasing awareness of these threats among citizens can act as a much-needed first line of defense. However, cyber awareness efforts must be coupled with encouraging behavioral change—for improving risky online behaviors can be the first step towards protecting even the most vulnerable communities.

Strengthening cyber awareness requires a deep understanding of your audience, their perceptions of risks, what they care about, and the type of content they respond to. Ultimately, influencing citizen attitudes requires collective action in partnership with governments, donors, private-sector partners, and civil society organizations. While implementing cybersecurity awareness initiatives are no small feat, growing cyber awareness can be a foundational step to protecting vulnerable communities, defending critical infrastructure systems, and unlocking the full potential of digitization.

Across several campaigns in Asia, implemented through the Digital Asia Accelerator (DAA) and the South Asia Regional Digital Initiative (SARDI), Digital Frontiers identified five best practices for those looking to increase cybersecurity awareness in their home countries. Drawing on experience in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Thailand, these lessons learned seek to strengthen awareness of pressing digital challenges among citizens and businesses and empower individuals to take control of their digital safety.