Charities, driven by a mission to serve, face an increasing threat to cybersecurity. With sensitive data, from donor details to beneficiary information, charities are prime targets for cybercriminals. Yet, limited resources and technical expertise make it difficult for many to defend themselves. In the past year, UK charities experienced 924,000 cybercrimes, and the situation is set to worsen in 2025.
32% of UK charities reported a cybersecurity breach in the last year, with 38% of attacks impacting service delivery. However, only 26% of charities conducted risk assessments in 2023, highlighting a significant gap in proactive cybersecurity measures.
Several factors will increase cyber threats for charities in 2025
- AI-powered attacks. AI tools make cyberattacks, including phishing and ransomware, easier and more convincing.
- Geopolitical instability: Charities working internationally are at risk of becoming collateral targets in state-sponsored or hacktivist attacks.
- Increased regulation: Stricter data protection laws will bring greater fines and compliance pressures.
- Evolving threats: Cybercriminals continuously refine their tactics, and charities must invest in continuous cybersecurity improvements.
- Economic pressures: Financial strain may force charities to reduce spending on cybersecurity, leaving them more vulnerable.
Persistent cyber threats
Despite the rise of new and more sophisticated attacks, many of the most familiar cyber threats continue to affect charities. These ongoing risks evolve over time, becoming harder to detect and defend against.
- Phishing is becoming more sophisticated with AI, making it harder to spot.
- Data breaches jeopardise donor and beneficiary data, risking financial and reputational damage.
- Ransomware continues to pose a significant threat, with double extortion tactics gaining ground.
- Supply chain attacks target third-party vendors to breach charity systems.
How charities can prepare
Charities must take proactive steps to improve their cybersecurity.
- Prioritise cybersecurity: Make it a strategic priority and allocate adequate resources.
- Invest in training: Regular staff and volunteer training helps identify common threats like phishing.
- Implement strong security measures: Use multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, and regular software updates.
- Conduct risk assessments: Regularly assess vulnerabilities and improve security measures.
- Develop incident response plans: Have a clear plan in place for responding to cyberattacks.
- Collaborate and seek expert help: Share information with other charities and consult IT experts.
As cyber threats continue to rise, charities must prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard their sensitive data and ensure they can continue serving their communities. By investing in stronger defences now, charities will be better equipped to navigate the growing digital challenges of 2025.
At Blue Planet IT, we have years of experience supporting local charities. We’re committed to providing practical and friendly IT support to keep your organisation secure while maximising your resources.
If you have questions about how we can help secure your charity’s operations, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to offer advice and support tailored to your needs. Give us a call on 0845 519 4464 or email us at advice@blueplanet-it.co.uk to start the conversation.
