Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The world has witnessed a significant increase in cyberattacks on non-profit organizations, independent media, and civil rights groups over the past year. According to a recent report by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, the number of cyberattacks targeting these vulnerable public interest groups has surged by a staggering 241% in the past 12 months. This alarming trend has raised concerns about the safety and security of these organizations, which are already facing numerous challenges in their efforts to promote social change and protect human rights.
Project Galileo, a Cloudflare initiative, provides free cybersecurity protection to non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups that are vulnerable to cyber threats. The project’s latest report highlights the unprecedented increase in cyberattacks on these organizations, which have been subjected to a barrage of malicious activities, including distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, malware, and phishing attempts.
Between May 2024 and March 2025, Cloudflare’s Project Galileo blocked an astonishing 109 billion threats, a testament to the severity of the cyber threat landscape facing these organizations. The surge in cyberattacks is not limited to any particular region or sector, with organizations of all sizes and types being targeted.
Why Non-Profits and Journalists are Easy Targets
Non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups are often vulnerable to cyberattacks due to various factors. Many of these organizations have limited resources and budgets, making it difficult for them to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, these organizations often have strong online presences, which can attract the attention of malicious actors seeking to disrupt their operations or steal sensitive information.
Journalists, in particular, are often targeted by cybercriminals seeking to silence their voices or compromise their reporting. Journalists may face threats of hacking, surveillance, or even physical harm if they are perceived as a threat to those in power.
Consequences of Cyberattacks on Non-Profits and Journalists
The consequences of cyberattacks on non-profit organizations and journalists can be severe and far-reaching. In addition to compromising sensitive information and disrupting operations, cyberattacks can also lead to:
- Loss of public trust: Cyberattacks can damage the reputation of non-profit organizations and journalists, leading to a loss of public trust and credibility.
- Financial losses: Cyberattacks can result in financial losses, as organizations may need to invest in costly remediation efforts or pay ransom demands.
- Disruption of services: Cyberattacks can disrupt the delivery of essential services, such as healthcare, education, or human rights advocacy, which can have devastating consequences for those affected.
- Threats to safety: Cyberattacks can also pose a threat to the physical safety of non-profit staff, journalists, and their families, particularly in countries where freedom of expression is limited.
What Can Be Done to Mitigate the Threat?
While the surge in cyberattacks on non-profit organizations and journalists is alarming, there are steps that can be taken to mitigate the threat:
- Invest in robust cybersecurity measures: Non-profit organizations and journalists should prioritize investing in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption.
- Implement incident response plans: Organizations should develop incident response plans to quickly respond to cyberattacks, minimize damage, and restore services.
- Educate staff and volunteers: Educate staff and volunteers on cybersecurity best practices, including password management, phishing prevention, and data protection.
- Seek support from cybersecurity experts: Non-profit organizations and journalists can seek support from cybersecurity experts, including Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups.
- Advocate for cybersecurity policies: Advocate for cybersecurity policies and laws that protect non-profit organizations and journalists from cyber threats.
Conclusion
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profit organizations, independent media, and civil rights groups is a stark reminder of the importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape. As these organizations continue to face numerous challenges in their efforts to promote social change and protect human rights, it is essential that they prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to mitigate the threat. By investing in robust cybersecurity measures, implementing incident response plans, educating staff and volunteers, seeking support from cybersecurity experts, and advocating for cybersecurity policies, these organizations can reduce their risk of cyberattack and continue to make a positive impact in their respective fields.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
