Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and with it, the tactics and strategies used by cybercriminals to target vulnerable organizations. A recent report by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo has revealed a staggering surge in cyberattacks on non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. The data is alarming, with a 241% increase in attacks over the past year.
Project Galileo is an initiative by Cloudflare that provides free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups that may not have the resources to defend themselves against sophisticated cyber threats. The program has been instrumental in blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025 alone.
The surge in attacks on non-profits and journalists is a cause for concern, as these organizations are often the backbone of society, working tirelessly to promote social justice, human rights, and free speech. Their work is crucial to the betterment of society, and yet, they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks that can disrupt their operations, compromise their data, and undermine their credibility.
So, what’s driving this surge in attacks? There are several factors at play. One reason is the increasing reliance on digital platforms by non-profits and journalists. As these organizations move more of their operations online, they become more attractive targets for cybercriminals. Additionally, the proliferation of social media has created new vulnerabilities, as organizations often store sensitive data on these platforms.
Another factor is the growing importance of non-profits and independent media outlets in the current political landscape. These organizations are often at the forefront of important social and political issues, and as a result, they have become targets for political hackers and cybercriminals seeking to disrupt their work.
The report by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo also highlights the growing sophistication of cyberattacks. Gone are the days of simple phishing emails and malware attacks. Today’s cybercriminals are using advanced tactics, such as distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, to overwhelm organizations and disrupt their operations.
The impact of these attacks can be severe. Non-profits and journalists may experience data breaches, which can compromise sensitive information and undermine their credibility. They may also face disruptions to their operations, including website downtime and email outages, which can be critical for organizations that rely on digital platforms to communicate with their stakeholders.
So, what can be done to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists? Here are a few strategies that organizations can employ:
- Implement robust cybersecurity measures: This includes using strong passwords, keeping software up to date, and implementing firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
- Educate staff and volunteers: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and organizations should educate their staff and volunteers on the importance of cybersecurity and how to identify and report suspicious activity.
- Use cloud-based security solutions: Cloud-based security solutions, such as Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, can provide organizations with advanced cybersecurity protection without breaking the bank.
- Collaborate with other organizations: Non-profits and journalists often work together on issues and campaigns. By collaborating with other organizations, they can share resources and expertise to improve their cybersecurity posture.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a major concern, and it’s essential that these organizations take proactive steps to protect themselves against these threats. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, educating staff and volunteers, and using cloud-based security solutions, non-profits and journalists can reduce their risk of being targeted by cybercriminals and continue to carry out their important work without interruption.
Source: https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
