CyberPeace Builders: Securing NGOs in the Digital Age

3 Questions with CyberPeace Builders

Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in delivering aid and services worldwide, yet they often lack the resources to defend against growing cyber threats. CyberPeace Builders is bridging this gap by providing cybersecurity support to NGOs through corporate volunteer engagement. As the program joins the Forum’s Scale-up Program in 2024-25, its mission is clear: to expand its impact, enhance regional cooperation, and ensure that cybersecurity becomes an accessible resource for all.

Why are NGOs particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks, and what types of threats do they most frequently face?

NGOs play a vital role in society, providing essential support and services to over a billion people worldwide. As they increasingly rely on digital technologies to deliver aid and engage with beneficiaries, they also collect and manage large volumes of sensitive data. This makes them prime targets for malicious actors seeking to steal, sell, or exploit this information.

Despite raising over a trillion USD annually, most NGO funding is restricted to specific projects, leaving limited resources for cybersecurity. This lack of budget allocated to cybersecurity and IT support makes them highly vulnerable. Some of the most common cyber threats NGOs face include phishing, ransomware attacks, and CEO fraud.

Building from its 2023 report on the state of cybersecurity for NGOs in International Geneva, the CyberPeace Institute recently launched the CyberPeace Tracer to increase awareness about the specific vulnerabilities and threats NGOs face.

Since its launch, how has the CyberPeace Builders program supported NGOs in strengthening their cybersecurity, and can you share concrete examples of its impact?

Since its launch in October 2021, the CyberPeace Builders program has helped NGOs strengthen their cybersecurity in multiple ways. First, the program provides an accessible assessment tool that allows NGOs to identify their cybersecurity needs and areas for improvement. Once these needs are identified, NGOs receive a series of missions ranging from training sessions to the development of cybersecurity policies, carried out by corporate volunteers.

Currently, over 450 NGOs worldwide receive assistance through the program, supported by more than 1,300 volunteers from around the globe. To date, over 1,150 missions have been completed, amounting to more than 2,000 hours of free cybersecurity assistance.

As the program participates in the Forum’s Scale-up Program in 2024-25, what are the key priorities for its growth, and how do you envision the future of cybersecurity for the nonprofit sector?

Participating in the Scale-up Program is a great opportunity for the CyberPeace Builders to maximize growth, enhance outreach, and ensure longterm sustainability. We aim to reach even more NGOs and cybersecurity volunteers, strengthen regional connections, and make cybersecurity an accessible resource for all.

The future of cybersecurity in the nonprofit sector will require a shift toward greater awareness and increased cooperation. As cyber threats become more sophisticated - especially with the rise of AI-driven attacks - NGOs must implement strong security measures to protect their data, finances, and the sensitive information of the communities they serve. We are committed to helping NGOs navigate these challenges and look forward to having more join the CyberPeace Builders program.