Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging every day. However, a recent report has highlighted a concerning trend: cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations have surged by a staggering 241% over the past year. This alarming increase in attacks has left these vulnerable groups scrambling to protect themselves against the growing menace.
According to Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups, the number of cyberattacks on these organizations has skyrocketed. Between May 2024 and March 2025, the initiative blocked a staggering 109 billion threats, a testament to the scale of the problem.
So, what’s behind this surge in cyberattacks? And what can these organizations do to protect themselves against these threats? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the details of this concerning trend and explore some strategies for staying safe in the face of this growing menace.
The Rise of Cyberattacks on Non-Profits
Non-profits, independent media organizations, and civil rights groups are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their vulnerable infrastructure and limited resources. These groups often lack the financial means to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, making them an attractive target for hackers.
The recent surge in cyberattacks on these organizations can be attributed to a combination of factors. One major contributor is the increasing use of social engineering tactics, where hackers use psychological manipulation to trick individuals into divulging sensitive information.
Another factor is the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in cyberattacks. These technologies enable hackers to launch more sophisticated and targeted attacks, making it even more challenging for organizations to defend themselves.
The Impact of Cyberattacks on Journalists
Journalists, in particular, are often at the receiving end of cyberattacks. Hackers may target journalists’ email accounts, social media profiles, or even their personal devices to gather information or disrupt their work.
The impact of cyberattacks on journalists can be devastating. Not only do they risk losing sensitive information, but they also risk being blackmailed or intimidated into revealing sources or compromising their reporting.
Moreover, cyberattacks on journalists can undermine the very fabric of a free and independent press. When journalists are unable to protect their sources or their work, it can compromise the integrity of the news and undermine public trust.
Strategies for Protecting Against Cyberattacks
So, what can non-profits, independent media organizations, and civil rights groups do to protect themselves against these threats? Here are some strategies to consider:
- Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
- Use strong passwords and 2FA: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent unauthorized access.
- Keep software up-to-date: Regularly update software, operating systems, and plugins to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for suspicious activity: Continuously monitor for suspicious activity, such as unusual login attempts or data breaches.
- Train staff on cybersecurity best practices: Educate staff on cybersecurity best practices, such as avoiding phishing emails and using secure connections.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity experts: Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to identify and respond to threats.
- Use cloud-based security solutions: Consider using cloud-based security solutions, such as Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, to provide an additional layer of protection.
Conclusion
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. These organizations are often vulnerable to attacks due to their limited resources and infrastructure, making them an attractive target for hackers.
By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, using strong passwords, and monitoring for suspicious activity, these organizations can protect themselves against the growing menace of cyberattacks. It’s imperative that we, as a society, come together to support these organizations and provide them with the resources they need to stay safe in the face of this growing threat.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
