Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
In a shocking revelation, the number of cyberattacks targeting nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations has skyrocketed by a staggering 241% over the past year. According to the latest data shared by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, a free cybersecurity protection initiative for vulnerable public interest groups, the surge in attacks is a clear indication of the growing vulnerability of these organizations in the digital landscape.
Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups, has been monitoring cyberattacks on these organizations since its inception. The latest data reveals that between May 2024 and March 2025, the initiative blocked a mind-boggling 109 billion threats aimed at nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations.
This alarming surge in cyberattacks is a concern not just for the affected organizations but also for society as a whole. Nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations play a vital role in promoting social justice, free speech, and human rights. If these organizations are unable to operate securely and efficiently, the impact on society can be far-reaching and devastating.
So, what are the reasons behind this surge in cyberattacks? There are several factors that contribute to the increasing vulnerability of nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations. Here are a few:
- Lack of Resources: Nonprofits and independent media organizations often operate on shoestring budgets, leaving them with limited resources to invest in cybersecurity. This lack of resources makes them an attractive target for hackers who can exploit their vulnerabilities with ease.
- Outdated Infrastructure: Many nonprofits and independent media organizations still rely on outdated infrastructure, which can be easily breached by hackers. This outdated infrastructure is often a result of limited resources, which makes it difficult for these organizations to upgrade their systems and stay secure.
- Increased Visibility: The increasing visibility of nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations online makes them more attractive targets for hackers. As these organizations engage more with their audiences and share more information online, they become more visible to hackers, making it easier for them to be targeted.
- Political and Social Impact: Nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations often tackle sensitive and controversial issues, making them a target for hackers who want to disrupt their operations and silence their voices.
The consequences of a cyberattack on a nonprofit, independent media, or civil rights organization can be severe. Here are a few:
- Data Breaches: A cyberattack can result in a data breach, compromising sensitive information and putting donor information, personal data, and other confidential information at risk.
- Financial Losses: A cyberattack can result in financial losses, as organizations may need to invest in costly cleanup and recovery efforts.
- Reputation Damage: A cyberattack can damage an organization’s reputation, making it difficult to regain trust with donors, supporters, and the public.
- Disruption of Services: A cyberattack can disrupt an organization’s services, making it difficult for them to operate effectively and fulfill their mission.
So, what can nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations do to protect themselves against these cyberattacks? Here are a few tips:
- Invest in Cybersecurity: Nonprofits and independent media organizations should invest in cybersecurity, including hiring cybersecurity professionals, implementing robust security measures, and staying up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Use Free Cybersecurity Resources: Initiatives like Cloudflare’s Project Galileo offer free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups. Nonprofits and independent media organizations should take advantage of these resources to stay secure.
- Stay Educated: Nonprofits and independent media organizations should stay educated about the latest cyber threats and best practices to stay secure.
- Report Cyberattacks: Nonprofits and independent media organizations should report cyberattacks to the relevant authorities and take steps to mitigate the damage.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. These organizations play a vital role in promoting social justice, free speech, and human rights, and it is essential that they are able to operate securely and efficiently. By investing in cybersecurity, using free cybersecurity resources, staying educated, and reporting cyberattacks, nonprofits and independent media organizations can protect themselves against these cyber threats and continue to fulfill their mission.
Source: https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
