Cyberattacks on non-profits & journalists Surge 241% in a year

Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year: A Growing Concern for Public Interest Groups

In a disturbing trend, the number of cyberattacks targeting nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations has surged by a staggering 241% over the past year, according to new data shared by Cloudflare Project Galileo. This initiative provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025.

The alarming rise in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a growing concern, as these organizations are often the target of malicious actors seeking to disrupt their work and silence their voices. The increasing frequency and sophistication of these attacks pose a significant threat to the very foundation of democracy, free speech, and social justice.

What’s Behind the Surge?

There are several factors contributing to the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists. One major reason is the growing importance of these organizations in shaping public opinion and driving social change. As a result, they have become a prime target for malicious actors seeking to disrupt their work and undermine their message.

Another factor is the increasing ease with which cyberattacks can be launched. The proliferation of hacking tools and techniques, coupled with the anonymity of the internet, has made it easier for attackers to launch sophisticated attacks without being detected.

The Impact of Cyberattacks on Non-Profits

Cyberattacks on non-profits can have devastating consequences, including:

1. Loss of credibility: A cyberattack can damage an organization’s reputation and erode public trust.
2. Financial losses: Non-profits may lose critical funds, as well as donations and grants, due to a cyberattack.
3. Data breaches: Cyberattacks can result in the theft or exposure of sensitive donor information, compromising the trust of supporters.
4. Disruption of services: A cyberattack can disrupt an organization’s ability to provide critical services, such as healthcare, education, or advocacy.
5. Increased risk of further attacks: A compromised system can be exploited by attackers, increasing the risk of further attacks and data breaches.

The Impact of Cyberattacks on Journalists

Cyberattacks on journalists can also have severe consequences, including:

1. Censorship: Journalists may face censorship or intimidation, silencing their voices and limiting their ability to report on critical issues.
2. Data breaches: Cyberattacks can result in the theft or exposure of sensitive information, including sources and confidential documents.
3. Loss of credibility: A cyberattack can damage a journalist’s reputation and erode public trust.
4. Increased risk of physical harm: Journalists may face physical harm or threats due to their association with a compromised organization or institution.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Risk?

While the surge in cyberattacks is concerning, there are steps that non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations can take to mitigate the risk:

1. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Regularly update software, use strong passwords, and implement two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access.
2. Use trusted cybersecurity tools: Utilize trusted cybersecurity tools, such as Cloudflare Project Galileo, to provide additional protection against cyber threats.
3. Educate staff and volunteers: Educate staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, including how to identify and report potential threats.
4. Develop incident response plans: Develop incident response plans to quickly respond to and contain cyberattacks, minimizing the impact on operations.
5. Collaborate with other organizations: Collaborate with other non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations to share best practices and resources, as well as to coordinate response efforts.

Conclusion

The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a growing concern that requires immediate attention and action. By understanding the factors contributing to this trend and taking proactive steps to mitigate the risk, these organizations can reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats and continue to fulfill their critical roles in shaping public opinion and driving social change.

As the data from Cloudflare Project Galileo demonstrates, the number of cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists will continue to rise unless we take collective action to address this issue. We urge all public interest groups to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves against these growing threats.

Source:

https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/

Note: The article includes a link to the original news source, which provides more information on the topic.