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

The digital landscape has become increasingly treacherous for non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. According to a recent report by Cloudflare Project Galileo, these vulnerable public interest groups have been hit by a staggering surge in cyberattacks over the past year.

The data reveals a shocking 241% increase in cyberattacks targeting these groups, with nearly 109 billion threats blocked between May 2024 and March 2025. This alarming trend highlights the growing concern for the security and integrity of these organizations, which are often targeted by malicious actors seeking to disrupt their work and undermine their missions.

Why Are Non-Profits, Journalists, and Civil Rights Groups Being Targeted?

Non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups are often at the forefront of addressing pressing social and political issues. As such, they may attract the attention of malicious actors who seek to silence or disrupt their work. These groups may be targeted for a variety of reasons, including:

1. Political ideology: Malicious actors may target groups with opposing political views or those that advocate for causes they disagree with.
2. Financial gain: Cybercriminals may see these organizations as lucrative targets for financial gain, as they often have limited resources to devote to cybersecurity.
3. Data collection: These groups may possess sensitive information, such as personal data or confidential documents, which can be valuable to malicious actors.
4. Disruption of services: Targeting these organizations can disrupt their ability to provide essential services, such as healthcare, education, or advocacy.

The Impact of Cyberattacks on Non-Profits and Journalists

The consequences of cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists can be severe and far-reaching. Some of the potential impacts include:

1. Loss of trust: Cyberattacks can erode public trust in these organizations, making it challenging to maintain their reputation and credibility.
2. Financial losses: Cyberattacks can result in financial losses, including the theft of funds, compromised donations, and increased costs associated with recovery and mitigation.
3. Disruption of services: Cyberattacks can disrupt the critical services provided by these organizations, including healthcare, education, and advocacy.
4. Compromised data: Cyberattacks can result in the theft or exposure of sensitive data, including personal information, confidential documents, and intellectual property.
5. Legal and regulatory issues: Cyberattacks can trigger legal and regulatory issues, including compliance with data protection regulations and potential lawsuits.

What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Risk of Cyberattacks?

While the number of cyberattacks on non-profits, journalists, and civil rights groups is alarming, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk:

1. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: These organizations should invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
2. Monitor and respond to threats: Regular monitoring and swift response to threats can help to minimize the impact of cyberattacks.
3. Educate staff and volunteers: Educating staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices can help to prevent human-error related attacks.
4. Collaborate with other organizations: Building relationships with other organizations in the same sector can help to share knowledge, resources, and best practices.
5. Seek support from cybersecurity experts: Cloudflare Project Galileo, for example, provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025.

Conclusion

The surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profits, journalists, and civil rights groups is a growing concern that requires immediate attention and action. These organizations are on the frontlines of addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues, and it is essential that they have the necessary resources and support to protect themselves against cyber threats.

By understanding the motivations behind these attacks, the potential impacts, and the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk, these organizations can take proactive measures to protect themselves and continue to fulfill their critical missions.

Source:

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