Celebrating 11 Years of Project Galileo: A Lifeline for At-Risk Organizations
As cybersecurity threats grow increasingly sophisticated, the need for robust protective measures has never been more pressing. Cloudflare, a leading web infrastructure and security company, is marking a significant milestone: the eleventh anniversary of Project Galileo. Since its inception in June 2014, this flagship initiative has provided free cybersecurity protection to various at-risk public-interest organizations globally.
A Commitment to Safety
Project Galileo serves as a vital shield for those working at the forefront of democracy and social justice—journalists, human rights activists, environmental advocates, and independent media outlets. In a world where digital attacks can jeopardize lives and livelihoods, Cloudflare’s commitment to defending these entities underscores the essential role they play within civil society.
This year’s anniversary highlights not only the program’s longevity but also its continued evolution and influence. Noteworthy activities in Project Galileo’s eleventh year include the publication of an interactive report, expansions in the Asia-Pacific region, and new narratives from organizations working diligently to protect human rights and promote environmental justice.
Insights into Cyber Threats
To commemorate this anniversary, Cloudflare released an extensive Radar report that illuminates the types of cyber threats faced by organizations under its protection. The report reveals alarming trends, particularly a surge in Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks, which have outpaced traditional web application exploitation attempts. Between May 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, Cloudflare thwarted an astounding 108.9 billion cyber threats, averaging nearly 325 million blocked attacks daily—a staggering 241% increase from the previous year.
Among those targeted, journalists and news organizations were hit hardest, with over 97 billion potential threats blocked across 315 entities. The report noted a peak of attack traffic on September 28, 2024. Human rights and civil society organizations also faced significant cyber onslaughts, with a notable uptick in attacks on October 8 of the same year.
Real-World Implications
One particularly striking case involved the Belarusian Investigative Center, a journalism organization that was onboarded by Cloudflare while under siege. On September 28, a major application-layer DDoS attack inundated the outlet with over 28 billion requests in a single day. Such events illustrate the precarious nature of digital activism, especially in regions plagued by governmental oppression, where independent journalism and advocacy efforts are routinely targeted.
The report also highlights a prolonged attack against Tech4Peace, a human rights organization advocating for digital rights. Over the course of 12 days beginning March 10, 2025, the organization faced a relentless barrage of over 2.7 billion requests. The variation in attack tactics indicates a highly coordinated effort by adversaries, reflecting an evolving landscape of cyber warfare that necessitates constant vigilance and innovation in defense.
The Power of Partnerships
Central to Project Galileo’s success is its robust network of partnerships with 56 trusted civil society organizations worldwide. These collaborations are vital in identifying groups that require cybersecurity protection. Through these alliances, Cloudflare enhances its capacity to support communities facing significant threats, ensuring they have access to the tools and resources essential for their digital defense.
In 2025, many of these partners are experiencing significant funding cuts, impeding their ability to support various communities in defending human rights and upholding democratic values. Amid these challenges, maintaining protection for at-risk organizations has become increasingly important. Cloudflare acknowledges the pivotal role its civil society partners play in this effort, reiterating their shared commitment to building a safer and more open Internet.
Looking Ahead
As cyber threats continue to evolve, the relevance of Project Galileo remains undeniable. The initiative’s twelfth year promises to build on this foundation, exploring new avenues to support vulnerable groups and propelling efforts to safeguard digital rights on a global scale.
For further information on Project Galileo and its impactful initiatives, visit the dedicated webpage that hosts a wealth of case studies and resources for interested parties. The story of Project Galileo is not just about cybersecurity; it is a testament to the resilience of those who champion human rights in the digital age—a collective commitment to fostering a secure, equitable Internet for all.
