Stop cybercrimes

Cybercrime statistics involving seniors are staggering, and maybe most compelling is that an estimated 88-90% of these crimes involving the senior demographic go unreported, according to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). Young people are also targeted online by cyberbullying, exploitation and sextortion. So, how do we protect ourselves and our children? 

Lydia Casamento, founder and CEO of the nonprofit organization Digital Defense Alliance (DDA), spent 10 years in cybersecurity incident response before starting DDA, a move she felt called to make. 

“God’s timing is always perfect and witnessing the impact that cybercrime has on individuals and families showed me that many victims have nowhere to turn for support,” says Lydia. “I wanted to fill that gap.”

Working mainly with large corporations to help them recover losses and avoid future attacks, Lydia saw how small businesses and individuals suffering devastating losses at the hands of cybercriminals had no path to recovery.

“Every attack is personal,” says Lydia. “Individuals are always impacted and not everyone has a large security firm to turn to.”

DDA received 501(c)(3) status in July 2026, and provides free and accessible cybersecurity and IT solutions and support for individuals, families, nonprofits, schools and small businesses.

“DefenderLine is our AI-powered chatbot backed by DDA’s knowledge base, providing an immediate source to guide you through the steps to take when cybercrime occurs,” says Lydia.

DDA programs also address the emotional repercussions for cybercrime victims. 

“Young men ages 12 to 20s are heavily targeted by sextortion,” says Lydia. “Criminals hijack social media accounts, develop trust through romantic interest, bait victims into sending inappropriate images, then extort them with threats of exposing them. Fear and embarrassment take over and the situation escalates, often with tragic results. We are an immediate source of help.”

DDA is also active in the community through CyberSHIELD, an educational program designed to educate the public on avoiding cybercrime and actions to mitigate repercussions if attacked.



“Everyone should be able to embrace technology,” says Lydia. “For many, internet access means connection to the outside world, education, entertainment and communication. DDA is your trusted resource for safely taking advantage of all technology has to offer. The internet is a battlefield. Put your armor on with Digital Defense Alliance.”

Digital Defense Alliance

DigitalDefenseAlliance.com