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

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

The digital landscape has become a treacherous terrain for non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. According to a recent report by Cloudflare Project Galileo, the number of cyberattacks targeting these vulnerable public interest groups has skyrocketed by a staggering 241% over the past year. This alarming increase in cyber threats has left many organizations scrambling to stay protected, and it’s imperative that they take immediate action to safeguard their online presence.

Cloudflare Project Galileo is an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. The project has been instrumental in blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025, making it a valuable resource for these groups. The recent surge in cyberattacks highlights the urgent need for targeted cybersecurity measures to protect these organizations from malicious activities.

Non-profit organizations, in particular, are vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. They often have limited resources and may not have the budget to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. As a result, they may be more susceptible to attacks, which can compromise their sensitive data and disrupt their operations. The recent surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profits is a cause for concern, and it’s essential that these organizations take proactive steps to protect themselves.

Independent media outlets are also at risk of cyberattacks. These outlets often rely on donations and may not have the resources to invest in advanced cybersecurity measures. The recent surge in cyberattacks targeting independent media outlets is a threat to the very fabric of democracy, as it can compromise the free flow of information and stifle critical reporting.

Civil rights organizations are also vulnerable targets for cyberattacks. These organizations often have sensitive information about their members and may be targeted by malicious actors seeking to disrupt their operations. The recent surge in cyberattacks targeting civil rights organizations is a threat to the very foundations of democracy, as it can compromise the ability of these organizations to advocate for social justice and human rights.

The reasons behind the surge in cyberattacks are multifaceted. Cybercriminals are attracted to non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups because they often have limited resources and may not have the budget to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, these organizations may not have the technical expertise to detect and respond to cyber threats, making them easier targets for malicious actors.

The consequences of a cyberattack can be severe. Non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups may face significant financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal liability. In addition, a cyberattack can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and undermine trust with stakeholders.

So, what can these organizations do to protect themselves from cyberattacks? Here are some best practices:

1. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups should invest in robust cybersecurity measures, including firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
2. Conduct regular security audits: These organizations should conduct regular security audits to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly.
3. Use strong passwords: Strong passwords can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. These organizations should encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords and avoid using the same password across multiple platforms.
4. Educate employees: Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility, and employees should be educated on best practices for staying safe online, including avoiding phishing scams and using secure protocols for data transmission.
5. Stay up-to-date with software updates: Regular software updates can prevent vulnerabilities and patch security holes. These organizations should ensure that all software and systems are up-to-date and patched regularly.
6. Use secure protocols for data transmission: Non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups should use secure protocols for data transmission, such as HTTPS, to prevent eavesdropping and tampering.
7. Consider cloud-based security solutions: Cloud-based security solutions can provide robust cybersecurity protection at an affordable cost. These organizations should consider cloud-based security solutions as an option for protecting their online presence.

In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups is a cause for concern. These organizations are vulnerable targets for cybercriminals, and it’s essential that they take proactive steps to protect themselves. By implementing robust cybersecurity measures, conducting regular security audits, using strong passwords, educating employees, staying up-to-date with software updates, using secure protocols for data transmission, and considering cloud-based security solutions, these organizations can reduce the risk of a cyberattack and protect their online presence.

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