More than 192,000 digital attacks targeting Virginia K-12 children underscores urgent need for comprehensive protection
MCLEAN, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Proxyware, a digital citizen protection company dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable populations, announced today the expansion of its program into Virginia schools to reduce child exploitation and digital harm. Already this calendar year, Proxyware has detected more than 192,000 digital attacks targeting Virginia K-12 school children, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive protection.
Children across the Commonwealth face relentless digital threats. Research shows that 4 out of 5 children have seen violent material online, while 3 out of 4 report encountering sexual and alcohol-related content online. These attacks are not isolated or accidental, they are systemic targeted attempts to exploit children through ads, cookies, pixels, and user-generated content.
“Childhood innocence is not for sale,” said Chris Olson, Founder of Proxyware. “Proxyware’s expansion into Virginia K-12 schools is about ensuring every child has the right to learn and grow without being targeted by digital predators.”
Why Traditional Cybersecurity Tools Fall Short
Traditional cybersecurity tools like firewalls, antivirus software, and website filters are not designed to stop these types of targeted attacks. They focus on whether a website is “good” or “bad,” but the internet is far more complex. A trusted platform can still deliver harmful ads or host predatory content, leaving children vulnerable.
A New Approach: Seeing the Internet Through a Child’s Eyes
Proxyware takes a different approach. By using AI-generated personas that behave like children online, Proxyware detects and disrupts predators and harmful content at the source. This proactive approach prevents threats from ever reaching children.
This protection extends beyond the classroom:
- At school: Students are protected on classroom devices and while accessing school networks.
- At home: School-issued devices remain shielded from harmful digital content.
- On personal devices: By eliminating threats at the source, children benefit from safer experiences wherever they connect.
A Safer Future for Virginia’s Children
The scale of attacks against Virginia students highlights the urgent need for people-first protection. By expanding into Virginia K-12 schools, Proxyware is making a direct investment in the safety of the Commonwealth’s children and giving children the freedom to learn and explore online without fear.
“Every child deserves to experience the internet as a place of discovery, not danger,” added Olson. “Proxyware is here to ensure that Virginia’s children are safe, today and for the future.”
Free Educational Tools Available
In addition to technology and partnerships, Proxyware offers free Cyber Safety Educational and Awareness Assets designed for parents, mentors, and educators. These resources teach safe online habits and provide guidance on how to spot potential dangers before they happen. Materials can be easily shared in schools, libraries, after-school programs, or community centers, helping communities build resilience against online exploitation of children. Download the free resources at https://reportscams.us/protect-children-online-kit.
About Proxyware
Proxyware is a digital protection company focused on stopping cybercrime that targets people—not machines. By disrupting harmful content at the source, Proxyware protects vulnerable populations such as children, older adults, and military personnel. Proxyware’s AI-driven technology sees the internet through the eyes of those most at risk, identifying and blocking digital threats before they strike.
Contacts
Media Contact
RedIron PR for Proxyware
Kari Ritacco
[email protected]
