Liberty, PRCF back cybersecurity education on Safer Internet Day

https://newsismybusiness.com/liberty-prcf-back-cybersecurity-education-on-safer-internet-day/

Publish Date: 2026-02-11 04:05:00

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Using an unordered list, summarize the following article with between 4 and 8 key points. From left, Felipe Ruiz, vice president of information security and chief information security officer at Liberty Latin America; Yarice Hidalgo, executive director of Raíces Cyber Org; and Luis García, senior manager of information security and director of cybersecurity awareness at Liberty Latin America.

As Safer Internet Day 2026 is observed globally, Liberty Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Community Foundation are advancing parallel efforts aimed at strengthening cybersecurity awareness and education across Puerto Rico, targeting both everyday internet users and students in underserved school communities.

During a morning conference marking the day, Liberty reiterated its call for responsible internet use as part of its 19th consecutive year participating in Safer Internet Day, stressing that technology alone is not sufficient to protect users online.

“Technology can be intelligent, but it does not replace judgment,” said Felipe Ruiz, vice president of information security and chief information security officer at Liberty Latin America. “A safer internet begins with people, with the choices we make, the habits we build and the awareness we share.”

Liberty highlighted basic cybersecurity practices, including avoiding suspicious messages, strengthening passwords, enabling two-factor authentication and safeguarding personal information. The company said it also updated content on its Navega con Seguridad microsite, hosted employee panels and partnered with Raíces Cyber Org to promote safer online practices.

“Being a telecom provider, we have always felt the responsibility to educate consumers on the importance of using the internet responsibly,” said Giovanna Ramírez de Arellano, senior director of communications and corporate responsibility at Liberty.

PRCF awards $25,000 grantA separate but aligned initiative announced during the Safer Internet Day commemoration focused on youth education. The Puerto Rico Community Foundation awarded a $25,000 grant to Raíces Cyber Org to develop the Raíces Cyber Youth Corps, a cybersecurity education program to be implemented in three alternative schools across Puerto Rico.

“Cybersecurity represents one of the areas with the highest growth and demand in the global labor market,” said Nelson Colón-Tarrats, president of the Puerto Rico Community Foundation. “With this investment, we don’t just open doors to competitive careers but also help close access gaps for students from traditionally underrepresented communities in technology.”

According to the foundation, the 30-hour pilot program will introduce students to cybersecurity fundamentals and responsible use of artificial intelligence, with the goal of preparing participants for future careers in the sector. The initiative targets communities with limited access to technological resources.

Yarice Hidalgo, executive director of Raíces Cyber Org, who also participated in the Liberty-hosted panel, said the program is part of a broader effort to build a cybersecurity education pipeline in Puerto Rico.

“This program reflects our vision to create bridges that connect students with the skills necessary to prosper in the digital economy,” Hidalgo said.

During the discussion, Hidalgo addressed the challenges of constant connectivity and online safety.

“We’re all already super hyperconnected, so we all must be responsible for taking care of each other,” she said. “We can be super-efficient. The problem is that this efficiency often comes with haste.”

She added that while digital connectivity brings benefits, it also carries responsibilities, “and Cyber Org is an organization founded by a Puerto Rican in the United States to train our youth to navigate this new hyperconnected world.”

Editor’s note: The Spanish translation of this article was generated using artificial intelligence and may contain inaccuracies. For any questions, please refer to the original English version.

This content was produced by News is my Business staff members. Send questions, comments, and suggestions to [email protected].