Cyberattacks on Non-profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The digital age has brought numerous benefits to non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups, allowing them to reach a wider audience and amplify their voices. However, this increased exposure has also made them a more attractive target for cybercriminals. According to recent data, the number of cyberattacks on these vulnerable organizations has seen a staggering surge of 241% over the past year.
Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups, has reported a significant increase in cyberattacks against non-profits, independent media outlets, and civil rights organizations. Between May 2024 and March 2025, Project Galileo blocked a staggering 109 billion threats, highlighting the scale of the problem.
The surge in cyberattacks is a cause for concern, as these organizations rely heavily on online platforms to operate, share information, and engage with their audiences. A breach of their digital security can have severe consequences, including the theft of sensitive information, disruption of operations, and damage to their reputation.
So, what’s behind this alarming increase in cyberattacks? Several factors contribute to the growing threat landscape:
- Increased online presence: Non-profits, independent media outlets, and civil rights organizations have expanded their online presence in recent years, making them more visible to attackers.
- Lack of resources: Many of these organizations lack the financial resources to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, making them more vulnerable to attacks.
- Complexity of digital operations: The increasing complexity of digital operations, including the use of cloud services, social media, and online donations, creates new entry points for attackers.
- Political and ideological motivations: Cyberattacks on these organizations can be motivated by political or ideological factors, with attackers seeking to silence or disrupt their activities.
The consequences of a cyberattack can be severe and far-reaching. In addition to the financial costs of responding to an attack, non-profits, independent media outlets, and civil rights organizations may also face:
- Loss of public trust: A breach of their digital security can erode public trust and confidence in their ability to protect sensitive information.
- Disruption of operations: A cyberattack can disrupt their ability to operate, potentially leading to lost revenue, and decreased effectiveness.
- Reputation damage: A cyberattack can damage their reputation, making it harder to attract donors, volunteers, and supporters.
So, what can non-profits, independent media outlets, and civil rights organizations do to protect themselves against this growing threat?
- Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
- Conduct regular security audits: Regularly conduct security audits to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly.
- Train staff and volunteers: Train staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, including password security, phishing, and online safety.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about the latest cyber threats and best practices through online resources, webinars, and workshops.
- Seek support: Seek support from cybersecurity experts and organizations that provide free or low-cost cybersecurity protection, such as Cloudflare’s Project Galileo.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media outlets, and civil rights organizations is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, staying informed, and seeking support, these organizations can better protect themselves against this growing threat and continue to operate effectively in the digital age.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
