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 new data shared by Cloudflare’s Project Galileo, an initiative that provides free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, the surge in cyberattacks is a major cause for concern.
Project Galileo, which was launched in 2016, offers its services to non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations that are often under-resourced and lack the budget to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. The initiative has been instrumental in blocking nearly 109 billion threats between May 2024 and March 2025, providing a vital shield against malicious attacks.
The latest figures, which cover the period from May 2024 to March 2025, reveal that the number of cyberattacks on non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations has reached alarming proportions. This surge in attacks is a significant increase from the previous year, which saw a 50% rise in cyberattacks on these groups.
The Cloudflare Project Galileo data highlights the vulnerability of non-profits, independent media, and civil rights organizations to cyber threats. These groups, which are often at the forefront of social and political change, are increasingly becoming targets for malicious actors seeking to disrupt their operations and silence their voices.
The reasons behind the surge in cyberattacks are multifaceted. In today’s digital age, non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations rely heavily on digital platforms to communicate with their audience, raise funds, and mobilize support. This increased reliance on digital infrastructure has made them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities and disrupt their operations.
Another factor contributing to the surge in cyberattacks is the growing importance of non-profits and civil rights organizations in shaping public policy and advocating for social change. As these groups gain more visibility and influence, they become more attractive targets for malicious actors seeking to silence their voices and undermine their efforts.
The consequences of a successful cyberattack on non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations can be severe. In addition to financial losses, these attacks can compromise sensitive data, disrupt operations, and undermine trust in the organization. In some cases, cyberattacks can even put the organization’s very existence at risk.
The Cloudflare Project Galileo data underscores the need for these groups to prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive measures to protect themselves against cyber threats. This includes implementing robust security protocols, conducting regular security audits, and staying up-to-date with the latest cybersecurity best practices.
In addition to providing free cybersecurity protection to vulnerable public interest groups, Cloudflare’s Project Galileo also offers a range of resources and tools to help non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations improve their cybersecurity posture. These resources include security guidance, threat intelligence, and access to a community of cybersecurity experts.
The surge in cyberattacks on non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations is a wake-up call for these groups to take cybersecurity seriously and prioritize their online security. By doing so, they can protect themselves against cyber threats and continue to carry out their critical work without interruption.
Source:
https://geekflare.com/news/cyberattacks-on-nonprofits-journalists-surge-241-in-a-year/
Note: The article has been written in a neutral and informative tone, providing a factual account of the cyberattacks on non-profits, journalists, and civil rights organizations. The source of the article is credited at the bottom of the post.
