Cyberattacks on Non-profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
In today’s digital age, cybersecurity has become a major concern for organizations of all sizes and sectors. However, a recent report by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo has revealed a startling surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profit organizations, independent media, and civil rights organizations. According to the data, the number of cyberattacks on these vulnerable public interest groups has increased by a staggering 241% over the past year.
The Rise of Cyberattacks
Between May 2024 and March 2025, Project Galileo blocked nearly 109 billion threats aimed at non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. This represents a significant increase from the previous year, highlighting the growing threat of cyberattacks on these groups.
The report attributes the surge in cyberattacks to the increased reliance on online platforms by these organizations. As they rely more heavily on digital channels to communicate with their audiences, they also become more vulnerable to cyber threats. This is particularly concerning, as many of these organizations do not have the resources or expertise to adequately defend against cyberattacks.
Consequences of Cyberattacks
The consequences of a cyberattack can be severe and far-reaching. For non-profit organizations, a successful attack can lead to the theft of sensitive data, disruption of operations, and damage to their reputation. This can have a devastating impact on their ability to carry out their mission and serve their constituents.
For independent media outlets, a cyberattack can lead to the suppression of free speech and the dissemination of misinformation. This can have a significant impact on the public’s ability to access accurate and reliable information, and can undermine the very fabric of democracy.
Why Non-profits & Journalists are Targeted
So, why are non-profit organizations and independent media outlets being targeted by cybercriminals? There are several reasons why these groups are particularly vulnerable to attack:
- Limited Resources: Many non-profit organizations and independent media outlets operate on limited budgets, which can make it difficult for them to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.
- Reliance on Online Platforms: As mentioned earlier, these organizations rely heavily on online platforms to communicate with their audiences. This makes them more vulnerable to cyber threats.
- High-Stakes Data: Non-profit organizations often handle sensitive data, such as financial information, personal identifying information, and confidential communications. This makes them an attractive target for cybercriminals.
- Political and Social Impact: Non-profit organizations and independent media outlets often take on controversial or provocative topics, which can make them a target for cybercriminals seeking to silence or discredit them.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Risk
While the surge in cyberattacks is concerning, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk:
- Invest in Cybersecurity: Non-profit organizations and independent media outlets should invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, encryption, and penetration testing.
- Implement Strong Password Policies: Organizations should implement strong password policies, including multi-factor authentication, and regularly change passwords.
- Monitor Online Activity: Organizations should regularly monitor online activity, including social media and email, for signs of suspicious activity.
- Seek Help: Organizations should seek help from cybersecurity experts, such as Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups.
Conclusion
The surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups is a cause for concern. As these organizations continue to rely on online platforms to carry out their mission, they must also take steps to protect themselves against cyber threats. By investing in cybersecurity, implementing strong password policies, monitoring online activity, and seeking help from cybersecurity experts, these organizations can mitigate the risk of a cyberattack and continue to carry out their important work.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
