The Hack4Values bug hunting program will onboard European NGOs and nonprofits to help them keep their data secure from cyber threats. Credit: Roman Samborskyi / Shutterstock Nonprofit organization Hack4Values has announced it will be expanding its free bug hunting program for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and nonprofits across Europe this Autumn. First launched in France in 2022, the Hack4Values platform is an online community comprised of ethical hackers and security researchers committed to creating a safer digital world for all NGOs and their beneficiaries. The program offers NGOs and nonprofits a free platform audit to help identify the security risks they face, with the Hack4Values community also providing solutions to help these companies keep their data secure from cyber threats. From September, the program will be able to onboard European nonprofits and NGOs, including those in the UK. Digital technology plays a core role in the functioning of nonprofit organizations and NGOs, with donation collection platforms, social networks, and digital campaigns all essential tools to carry out their actions. However, many of them lack the cybersecurity maturity required to protect the sensitive information they hold, creating significant security risks and challenges, as well as making them prime targets for cyberattacks and fraudulent activity. Over 50% of NGOs/nonprofits have been impacted by a cybersecurity attack The Hack4Values bug hunting program was created by Fabien Lemarchand, VP of platform and security at ManoMano; Bruno-Georges David, president of Communication without Borders; and Yassir Kazar, CEO of Yogosha. Since launching, over 50 ethical hackers who have volunteered for Hack4Values have provided bug bounty programs for 10 NGOs including Amnesty International and Action Against Hunger, stated a press release. In 2022, the platform found more than 250 security vulnerabilities. "NGOs have now gone through digital transformation and face the same risks as any organization, such as data breaches, GDPR sanctions, and payment fraud, but do not have the funding to defend themselves against these threats," said Lemarchand. "As a result, over 50% have been impacted by a cybersecurity attack." Nonprofits face significant security threats and challenges Nonprofits engaged in vital humanitarian work are finding themselves faced with increasing cybersecurity risks in an already challenging environment. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented shifts in weather patterns limiting resource availability and triggering mass migration, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and some of the largest rises in living costs for decades have all brought new urgency to the vital support humanitarian work (often led by nonprofits) provides those in need. However, nonprofits are finding themselves faced with increasing cybersecurity risks that threaten their ability to provide relief successfully, safely, and securely. As a result, cybersecurity is increasingly playing a vital role in the future of the nonprofit-led humanitarian landscape. Related content news analysis DHS unveils one common platform for reporting cyber incidents Ahead of CISA cyber incident reporting regulations, DHS issued a report on harmonizing 52 cyber incident reporting requirements, presenting a model common reporting platform that could encompass them all. By Cynthia Brumfield Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Regulation Regulation Regulation news Chinese state actors behind espionage attacks on Southeast Asian government The distinct groups of activities formed three different clusters, each attributed to a specific APT group. By Shweta Sharma Sep 25, 2023 4 mins Advanced Persistent Threats Cyberattacks feature How to pick the best endpoint detection and response solution EDR software has emerged as one of the preeminent tools in the CISO’s arsenal. Here’s what to look for and what to avoid when choosing EDR software. By Linda Rosencrance Sep 25, 2023 10 mins Intrusion Detection Software Security Monitoring Software Data and Information Security feature Top cybersecurity M&A deals for 2023 Fears of recession, rising interest rates, mass tech layoffs, and conservative spending trends are likely to make dealmakers cautious, but an ever-increasing need to defend against bigger and faster attacks will likely keep M&A activity steady in By CSO Staff Sep 22, 2023 24 mins Mergers and Acquisitions Data and Information Security IT Leadership Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe