Cyberattacks on non-profits & journalists Surge 241% in a year
In today’s digital age, cyberattacks have become a major concern for organizations and individuals alike. However, a recent report highlights a disturbing trend – the number of cyberattacks targeting nonprofits, independent media, and civil rights organizations has surged by a whopping 241% over the past year. This alarming increase is a wake-up call for these vulnerable groups, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect against these threats.
The report, shared by Cloudflare Project Galileo, provides a stark reality check. This initiative offers free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups, blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025. The sheer volume of attacks is a testament to the growing threat landscape, and the fact that non-profits and journalists are increasingly being targeted.
So, what’s driving this surge in cyberattacks? There are several factors at play. Firstly, these organizations often lack the resources and expertise to invest in robust cybersecurity measures, making them an attractive target for attackers. Secondly, the sensitive nature of their work – often involving sensitive information, human rights activism, or investigative journalism – makes them a valuable target for malicious actors.
The data is staggering. Cloudflare Project Galileo has seen a 241% increase in cyberattacks targeting non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations over the past year. This is a stark reminder that these groups are not immune to the ever-evolving threat landscape. In fact, many of these organizations are being targeted with alarming frequency.
Why are non-profits and journalists being targeted? There are several reasons. For non-profits, the primary motivation is often financial gain. Attackers may seek to steal sensitive information, such as donor lists or financial data, to sell on the dark web. Additionally, non-profits may be targeted for their perceived ideological alignment with attackers’ political beliefs.
Journalists, on the other hand, are often targeted for their investigative work. Malicious actors may seek to silence or intimidate journalists who are exposing sensitive information or investigating corruption. In some cases, journalists may be targeted for their personal information, including their location and contact details.
The consequences of these cyberattacks can be severe. Non-profits may lose sensitive information, compromising their operations and reputations. Journalists may face intimidation, harassment, or even physical harm. In extreme cases, these attacks can lead to the silencing of critical voices, which can have far-reaching consequences for democracy and human rights.
So, what can be done to mitigate these attacks? Firstly, it’s essential for non-profits and journalists to prioritize cybersecurity. This includes implementing robust security measures, such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular software updates. Additionally, these organizations should consider partnering with cybersecurity experts to provide additional protection.
Cloudflare Project Galileo, for instance, offers free cybersecurity protection to public interest groups. This initiative provides a valuable resource for organizations that may not have the resources to invest in cybersecurity measures. By blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025, Cloudflare Project Galileo has demonstrated its effectiveness in protecting vulnerable organizations.
Furthermore, governments and civil society organizations must work together to address these attacks. This includes providing resources and support to non-profits and journalists, as well as holding attackers accountable. Governments can also play a crucial role in promoting cybersecurity best practices and providing training and resources to organizations that may be vulnerable to attacks.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profits and journalists is a wake-up call for these organizations. It’s essential that they prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves against these threats. By working together, we can create a safer digital landscape for all.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
