In a heartwarming turn toward protecting the very communities he helped connect, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark is on a mission to empower internet users with a refreshingly simple tool for digital safety.

After spending decades bringing people together through online transactions, Newmark has evolved into a dedicated philanthropist and tech-policy activist with a clear focus: helping regular people navigate the internet safely. Last September, he launched Take9, an innovative program that proves sometimes the most powerful solutions are also the simplest.

The beauty of Take9 lies in its accessibility. While traditional cybersecurity advice often overwhelms people with technical requirements like password managers, multifactor authentication, and constant software updates, Newmark recognized that everyday internet users needed something more intuitive. His solution? Simply pause for nine seconds before clicking, downloading, or sharing anything online.

This gentle pause creates space for thoughtful decision-making in a digital landscape designed to trigger instant reactions. Scammers and fraudsters know exactly what they're doing when they craft messages meant to provoke fear or anger. Take9 empowers people to recognize these manipulation tactics and respond from a place of awareness rather than emotion.

What makes Newmark's approach particularly inspiring is his genuine connection to the people he's trying to help. "No one is looking out for regular people—and that's how I identify," he explains, noting that he spent most of his career in customer service. This isn't advice from an ivory tower; it's guidance from someone who truly understands the challenges everyday people face online.

The timing of this initiative couldn't be better. As phishing scams and misinformation campaigns grow increasingly sophisticated, people need tools that evolve with them. The remarkable thing about Take9 is that it doesn't require any software, special settings, or technical knowledge. It's a universal solution that works for everyone, from tech-savvy millennials to grandparents learning to navigate social media.

Newmark's journey from connecting strangers through Craigslist to now protecting them online represents a beautiful evolution. While his previous cybersecurity efforts targeted professionals and experts, Take9 demonstrates his commitment to democratizing digital safety. He recognizes that in our interconnected world, everyone deserves to feel confident and secure online.

The program's core message resonates with hope and empowerment: "We all need a hand in terms of protecting ourselves, our families, our homes." By sharing this simple nine-second technique, Newmark is extending that helping hand to millions of internet users who might otherwise feel vulnerable or overwhelmed.

In an age where technology often feels intimidating, Take9 reminds us that human wisdom and mindful awareness remain our greatest assets. This initiative celebrates our capacity to slow down, think critically, and make informed choices in the digital realm—skills that benefit not just individuals, but entire communities working together toward a safer internet for everyone.