Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The world of non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations has become increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks over the past year. According to a recent report by Cloudflare Project Galileo, the number of cyberattacks targeting these groups has skyrocketed by a whopping 241%. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect these organizations from the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Cloudflare Project Galileo is an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, including non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations. The project’s latest report reveals that between May 2024 and March 2025, it blocked an astonishing 109 billion threats, a staggering increase from the previous year.
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists can be attributed to various factors. One major reason is the increasing reliance on digital platforms to communicate and disseminate information. As these organizations transition to online platforms, they become more susceptible to cyber threats. Additionally, the rise of disinformation and propaganda has created a fertile ground for malicious actors to target these groups with sophisticated cyberattacks.
The consequences of these attacks can be severe. Non-profits and journalists often lack the resources and expertise to recover from cyberattacks, which can lead to significant financial losses, reputational damage, and even compromise sensitive information. Moreover, these attacks can also have a chilling effect on free speech and the ability of these organizations to carry out their work.
The report by Cloudflare Project Galileo highlights the gravity of the situation, stating, “The proliferation of cyberattacks on public interest groups is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action.” The organization is urging governments, technology companies, and the general public to take a proactive role in protecting these vulnerable groups.
So, what can be done to address this surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists? Here are a few recommendations:
- Improved Cybersecurity Awareness: Non-profits and journalists must prioritize cybersecurity awareness and education. This includes understanding the risks associated with cyberattacks, identifying vulnerabilities, and implementing effective security measures.
- Free and Open-Source Security Tools: Organizations like Cloudflare Project Galileo are providing free and open-source security tools to help non-profits and journalists protect themselves from cyber threats. More initiatives like these are needed to support these vulnerable groups.
- Collaboration and Information Sharing: Cyberattacks are often a result of collaboration between malicious actors. Therefore, it’s essential for non-profits, journalists, and cybersecurity experts to share information and collaborate to identify and mitigate threats.
- Government Support: Governments must take a proactive role in protecting non-profits and journalists from cyber threats. This can include providing funding, resources, and expertise to support their cybersecurity efforts.
- Public Support: The general public can play a vital role in helping non-profits and journalists by spreading awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and supporting their work through donations and advocacy.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention and action. It’s essential for these organizations to prioritize cybersecurity awareness, collaboration, and information sharing to protect themselves from these threats. Moreover, governments and the general public must also play a proactive role in supporting these vulnerable groups.
Sources:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
