
Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The digital landscape has become a breeding ground for cybercriminals, and it seems that non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations are increasingly bearing the brunt of their malicious activities. According to a recent report, the number of cyberattacks targeting these vulnerable groups has skyrocketed by a staggering 241% over the past year. This alarming trend is a cause for concern, and it’s essential to understand the implications and take necessary measures to mitigate these threats.
The Rise of Cyberattacks
Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, a free cybersecurity initiative designed to protect public interest groups from cyber threats, has published new data revealing the astonishing surge in cyberattacks. Between May 2024 and March 2025, the project blocked a staggering 109 billion threats, a significant increase from the previous year. This surge is a clear indication that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations, which often lack the resources and expertise to defend themselves against these attacks.
Why Non-Profits & Journalists are Attractive Targets
Cybercriminals often target non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations because they are perceived as vulnerable and lack the financial resources to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. These groups often rely on donations and grants, which can make them more susceptible to financial attacks, such as phishing scams or ransomware attacks. Additionally, the sensitive nature of the information they handle, such as personal data, financial information, and intellectual property, makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Journalists, in particular, are at risk due to their role in exposing corruption, holding those in power accountable, and shedding light on social and political issues. Cybercriminals may target journalists to silence them, steal their data, or disrupt their work, thereby affecting the free flow of information and the public’s right to know.
The Consequences of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations can have severe consequences, including:
- Financial losses: Ransomware attacks, phishing scams, and other types of cyberattacks can result in significant financial losses, which can be devastating for organizations that rely on donations and grants.
- Data breaches: Cybercriminals may steal sensitive information, such as personal data, financial information, or intellectual property, which can be used for malicious purposes.
- Reputation damage: A cyberattack can damage an organization’s reputation, leading to a loss of public trust and credibility.
- Disruption of services: Cyberattacks can disrupt the services and operations of non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations, which can have a significant impact on their ability to fulfill their missions.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate These Threats?
While the surge in cyberattacks is alarming, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate these threats:
- Invest in robust cybersecurity measures: Non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations should prioritize cybersecurity and invest in robust measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
- Educate staff and volunteers: Educate staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, such as password security, phishing scams, and data handling procedures.
- Implement incident response plans: Develop incident response plans to quickly respond to cyberattacks and minimize the damage.
- Collaborate with other organizations: Collaborate with other non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations to share best practices, resources, and expertise.
- Seek support from cybersecurity initiatives: Initiatives like Cloudflare’s Project Galileo provide free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups. These initiatives can help protect organizations from cyber threats.
Conclusion
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a wake-up call for these groups to prioritize cybersecurity. It’s essential to understand the implications of these attacks and take necessary measures to mitigate these threats. By investing in robust cybersecurity measures, educating staff and volunteers, implementing incident response plans, collaborating with other organizations, and seeking support from cybersecurity initiatives, these groups can protect themselves from cyber threats and continue to fulfill their missions.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/