Cyberattacks on Non-profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
The world of non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is under attack. A staggering 241% surge in cyberattacks over the past year has left these organizations reeling, compromising their operations, and putting their data and reputations at risk. According to Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, the number of attacks has skyrocketed, underscoring the urgent need for increased cybersecurity measures.
Project Galileo, launched by Cloudflare, a leading web infrastructure and security company, aims to safeguard organizations that are critical to the functioning of society but often lack the resources to protect themselves from cyber threats. The initiative has been instrumental in blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025, saving these organizations from potential harm.
The alarming rise in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a stark reminder of the growing threat landscape. These organizations are often targeted because they rely on donations, grants, and volunteer work, making them vulnerable to attacks. Additionally, they often lack the resources, expertise, and budget to invest in robust cybersecurity measures.
The data shared by Cloudflare Project Galileo paints a disturbing picture. Between May 2024 and March 2025, the project detected and blocked:
- 109 billion threats, including DDoS attacks, malware, and other types of cyber threats
- 241% increase in cyberattacks on non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations compared to the previous year
- 50% increase in DDoS attacks on these organizations, with the average attack lasting over 16 hours
The surge in cyberattacks is attributed to various factors, including:
- Increased reliance on digital infrastructure: With the rise of remote work and digital communication, non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations are more dependent on digital infrastructure, making them attractive targets for hackers.
- Lack of resources: Many of these organizations lack the budget and expertise to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, leaving them vulnerable to attacks.
- Political and ideological targeting: Some cyberattacks are ideological or political in nature, targeting organizations that are critical of governments or hold different views.
The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be severe, including:
- Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to sensitive information, compromising the privacy and security of donors, volunteers, and staff.
- Reputation damage: A successful attack can damage an organization’s reputation, leading to a loss of trust and donations.
- Operational disruption: Cyberattacks can disrupt critical operations, compromising the organization’s ability to function and serve its community.
In light of the alarming rise in cyberattacks, it is essential for non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations to prioritize cybersecurity. This includes:
- Implementing robust cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption
- Conducting regular security audits and penetration testing
- Providing cybersecurity training to staff and volunteers
- Staying up-to-date with the latest threats and best practices
Cloudflare’s Project Galileo is a vital initiative in this regard, providing free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups. The project’s success highlights the need for increased investment in cybersecurity and the importance of protecting organizations that are critical to society.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations to stay ahead of the curve and prioritize cybersecurity. By doing so, they can protect themselves from cyber threats and continue to serve their communities with confidence.
Source: https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
