Cyberattacks on non-profits & journalists Surge 241% in a year

Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year

Cybersecurity threats have become an increasingly common concern for organizations of all sizes and types. However, a recent surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is particularly alarming. According to a new report, the number of cyberattacks on these vulnerable groups has skyrocketed by a staggering 241% over the past year.

This alarming trend is revealed in data shared by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups. Between May 2024 and March 2025, Project Galileo blocked an astonishing 109 billion threats, highlighting the severity of the issue.

The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a worrying development, as these groups often lack the resources and expertise to effectively defend against these threats. Non-profits, in particular, are vulnerable to attacks due to their focus on social and environmental causes, which can make them targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt their work.

Independent media outlets, on the other hand, are often targeted for their critical reporting and investigative journalism. Journalists and media organizations have long been subjects of harassment, intimidation, and even violence, and cyberattacks are just the latest tool used to silence their voices.

The 241% increase in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a stark reminder of the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats. As technology advances and the internet becomes an increasingly integral part of our daily lives, cybercriminals are finding new and creative ways to exploit vulnerabilities and wreak havoc on unsuspecting organizations.

The data from Cloudflare’s Project Galileo reveals that the average number of attacks per day has increased by 143% over the past year. This staggering growth is a clear indication that cybercriminals are increasingly targeting these vulnerable groups.

So, what’s driving this surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists? There are several factors at play:

1. Lack of resources: Many non-profits and independent media outlets lack the financial resources and technical expertise to effectively defend against cyberattacks. This makes them vulnerable to exploitation by malicious actors.
2. Easy targets: Non-profits and journalists often have limited budgets and resources, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to disrupt their work or compromise sensitive information.
3. Political and ideological motivations: Cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists can be motivated by political or ideological agendas, as malicious actors seek to silence or discredit organizations that challenge their beliefs or expose corruption.
4. Growing sophistication of cybercriminals: Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using advanced techniques and tools to evade detection and compromise vulnerable systems.

The consequences of cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists can be severe. In addition to data breaches and financial losses, these attacks can also lead to:

1. Damage to reputation: Cyberattacks can damage the reputation of non-profits and journalists, eroding trust and confidence in their work.
2. Loss of public trust: Cyberattacks can undermine public trust in non-profits and journalists, making it more difficult for them to attract funding and support.
3. Disruption of critical services: Cyberattacks can disrupt critical services provided by non-profits, such as healthcare, education, and social services.
4. Silencing of important voices: Cyberattacks on journalists and independent media outlets can silence important voices and stifle critical reporting and investigation.

The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a wake-up call for organizations and individuals alike. It’s essential that we take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities from these threats.

What can be done?

1. Raise awareness: Educate non-profits, journalists, and the general public about the risks of cyberattacks and the importance of cybersecurity.
2. Provide resources: Offer free or low-cost cybersecurity resources and training to non-profits and journalists, helping them to better defend against cyberattacks.
3. Support cybersecurity initiatives: Support initiatives like Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, which provide free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups.
4. Encourage collaboration: Encourage collaboration and information-sharing between non-profits, journalists, and cybersecurity experts to stay ahead of the evolving threat landscape.

In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks on non-profits and journalists is a pressing concern that requires immediate attention. It’s essential that we take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities from these threats, and support initiatives that provide free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups.

Source:

https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/