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 faced a staggering surge in cyberattacks over the past year. The data reveals a whopping 241% increase in cyberattacks targeting these organizations, highlighting the pressing need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect their online presence and sensitive information.
Cloudflare Project Galileo is an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. This program offers a range of services, including web application firewalls, DDoS mitigation, and threat intelligence, to help these groups detect and block malicious activities. By analyzing the data from May 2024 to March 2025, Cloudflare Project Galileo has identified a significant spike in cyberattacks targeting these organizations.
The Rise of Cyberattacks: A Growing Concern for Public Interest Groups
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. These groups often face significant challenges in defending themselves against sophisticated cyber threats, as they typically have limited resources and expertise compared to larger corporations. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, including data breaches, reputational damage, and financial losses.
The increasing frequency and severity of cyberattacks on public interest groups can be attributed to various factors. One key reason is the growing importance of these organizations in shaping public discourse and promoting social change. As they become more influential, they also become more attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to disrupt their operations and gain leverage over the organizations.
Another factor contributing to the surge in cyberattacks is the increasing complexity of online threats. Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their tactics, using advanced techniques such as phishing, malware, and ransomware to compromise organizations’ systems and steal sensitive information.
Cloudflare Project Galileo: A Beacon of Hope for Vulnerable Organizations
Cloudflare Project Galileo is a beacon of hope for public interest groups struggling to defend themselves against cyber threats. This initiative provides a range of free cybersecurity services, including:
- Web Application Firewalls (WAFs): Cloudflare’s WAFs protect against common web attacks, such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS).
- DDoS Mitigation: Cloudflare’s DDoS mitigation services help organizations absorb and deflect large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
- Threat Intelligence: Cloudflare’s threat intelligence team provides real-time insights into emerging cyber threats, helping organizations stay ahead of potential attacks.
Between May 2024 and March 2025, Cloudflare Project Galileo blocked nearly 109 billion threats, demonstrating the importance of this initiative in protecting public interest groups from cyber threats.
What Can Non-Profits, Journalists, and Civil Rights Organizations Do to Protect Themselves?
While Cloudflare Project Galileo provides a vital layer of protection, there are other steps that non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations can take to bolster their cybersecurity:
- Implement Strong Passwords and Authentication: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.
- Keep Software Up-to-Date: Regularly update software, operating systems, and plugins to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
- Use Encryption: Use encryption to protect sensitive data, both in transit and at rest.
- Monitor for Suspicious Activity: Regularly monitor systems and networks for suspicious activity, and respond quickly to potential threats.
- Educate Staff and Volunteers: Educate staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, including password security, phishing awareness, and data protection.
Conclusion
The recent surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a clear indication of the growing threat landscape faced by these vulnerable public interest groups. As these organizations continue to play a critical role in shaping public discourse and promoting social change, it is essential that they prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect themselves against cyber threats.
Cloudflare Project Galileo is a vital initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to these organizations, blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025. By working together, we can help these organizations stay safe online and continue to make a positive impact on the world.
News Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
