Cyberattacks on Non-Profits & Journalists Surge 241% in a Year
In a shocking revelation, the number of cyberattacks targeting non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations has skyrocketed by a staggering 241% over the past year. According to the latest data shared by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, a free cybersecurity protection initiative for vulnerable public interest groups, nearly 109 billion malicious threats were blocked between May 2024 and March 2025.
This alarming rise in cyberattacks poses a significant threat to the integrity and safety of non-profit organizations, independent media outlets, and civil rights groups. These entities, which are often underfunded and understaffed, are ill-equipped to handle the sophisticated and relentless attacks they face. The consequences of a successful cyberattack can be devastating, ranging from reputational damage to financial losses and even compromise of sensitive information.
Project Galileo, launched by Cloudflare in 2017, provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups. The initiative has been instrumental in blocking over 243 billion malicious threats since its inception. The recent surge in cyberattacks is a stark reminder of the growing importance of robust cybersecurity measures for these groups.
The surge in cyberattacks is attributed to the increasing reliance on digital platforms by non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations. As these entities digitize their operations and engage with online communities, they become more vulnerable to cyber threats. The attackers are taking advantage of this vulnerability, using various tactics such as phishing, malware, and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks to disrupt and compromise their systems.
The impact of these cyberattacks is far-reaching and can have serious consequences. Non-profits may lose critical funding, compromising their ability to deliver vital services to their communities. Independent media outlets may face censorship or have their content manipulated, threatening the integrity of the free press. Civil rights organizations may have their sensitive information compromised, putting their activists and supporters at risk.
The lack of resources and expertise is a significant challenge for these organizations. Many non-profits and journalists lack the budget and personnel to implement robust cybersecurity measures. This makes them an attractive target for attackers, who know that they may not have the means to detect and respond to an attack.
The surge in cyberattacks highlights the need for increased awareness and support for these vulnerable groups. Cloudflare’s Project Galileo is a critical initiative that provides a vital service to non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations. However, more needs to be done to address the growing threat of cyberattacks.
Governments, corporations, and individuals can play a crucial role in supporting these organizations. Governments can provide funding and resources to help non-profits and journalists enhance their cybersecurity capabilities. Corporations can offer in-kind donations of cybersecurity expertise and services. Individuals can support their favorite non-profits and journalists by donating to their causes and spreading awareness about the importance of cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the surge in cyberattacks targeting non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations is a wake-up call for all stakeholders. It is essential that we come together to support these vulnerable groups and provide them with the resources they need to stay safe online. By doing so, we can help preserve the integrity and safety of our digital society.
Source: https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
