Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with processing capabilities accelerating ten times faster than traditional computer power, according to Jared Kaplan, CEO of Anthropic. His company has recently released Claude Mythos, an AI model that raises significant safety concerns among tech experts. Currently in limited distribution to mitigate risks, Claude Mythos possesses the ability not only to write code but also to exploit vulnerabilities in some of the world’s most secure programs, having already identified weaknesses in every major operating system and web browser.
This level of innovation poses serious risks, particularly for philanthropic and nonprofit organizations that may not be prepared for such challenges. Experts are sounding alarms, especially considering the rise in antisemitism and ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the recent war with Iran. They emphasize that Jewish nonprofits and philanthropists must remain vigilant in the face of increasing cyber threats.
Menny Barzilay, chief technology officer of the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University, highlighted the innovative nature of cybercriminals, stating that they are often early adopters of new technologies that can facilitate and scale their criminal activities. He told eJewishPhilanthropy, “Generally speaking, cybercriminals are super innovative, super early adopters, and any technology that they can use in order to leverage crime and scale crime, they will use.”
Steve Gonzales, vice president of global security and safety at the Anti-Defamation League, emphasized that in today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is “no longer optional.” He pointed out that Jewish organizations face threats across multiple fronts—physical, digital, and reputational. He noted that the hate and extremism posing physical security risks are increasingly manifesting in online environments.
Statistics reveal the severity of the issue: from January to mid-April 2026, the Secure Community Network recorded 190 cyberattacks targeting synagogues and Jewish organizations across 16 states. These attacks have manifested in various forms, including website defacement, phishing scams, doxxing, fraud, and data exposure. Gonzales commented that these threats are now “no longer theoretical for the community” and stress the disparity in funding for cybersecurity relative to physical security measures.
Michael Masters, the national director and CEO of SCN, noted that cyberattacks targeting Jewish institutions often transcend financial motives, focusing instead on information gathering and identifying potential targets. He remarked, “The overlap between cyber-activity and physical targeting risk is increasingly evident.” The situation has been exacerbated by the war with Iran, which has significantly invested in its capability for digital attacks, leading the Department of Homeland Security to warn of potential “low-level cyberattacks against U.S. networks.”
Gonzales pointed out that Jewish organizations, like any other sector, are affected by general cybercrime, but they face unique challenges due to antisemitism and geopolitical factors. “Our adversaries adapt constantly, and so must we,” he said. In mid-March, a hacking incident impacted Jewish news site Yeshiva World News, where the attackers posted a message in Farsi claiming control, although the origin of the attack was not confirmed.
Many smaller institutions mistakenly believe they are safe from cyber threats due to their size. Gonzales cautioned that cybercriminals often target organizations with fewer protections and outdated systems. Experts recommend basic security measures, such as implementing two-step verification and updating older software to fend off vulnerabilities.
When it comes to integrating AI systems into organizations, Mitchell Silber, CEO of the Community Security Initiative, advised that such technologies should be introduced in controlled environments with strict access limitations to monitor their impacts. Organizations must also set boundaries to prevent AI from accessing sensitive data, especially information regarding donors.
Brandon Lindsay, director of information security and data protection for HIAS, highlighted the importance of training staff to recognize and report phishing attempts, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Hackers are using AI to create more convincing phishing scams that can mimic the writing styles of CEOs or even clone the voices of key personnel to solicit funds fraudulently.
One notable incident involved a deepfake where a Baltimore high school principal was falsely accused of making derogatory comments, leading to his temporary removal. “Voice cloning programs are so easy that almost anyone can use them,” Barzilay pointed out. To combat such threats, nonprofits are advised to implement verification protocols for financial transactions, ensuring donors receive multiple confirmation methods.
Experts suggest that security grants, including those from the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program, can be leveraged for enhancing cybersecurity if vulnerabilities are identified in assessments. As Chaim Yudkowsky, former CIO for AIPAC, noted, “The AI risks, frankly, are actually one of a myriad of risks that any organization today faces.”
At HIAS, Lindsay noted that cybersecurity efforts intersect with physical security and communications, forming a cohesive strategy for protection. Leveraging AI tools to “think like the attacker,” he has employed programs like Microsoft Copilot to identify and patch security vulnerabilities within their systems. Reflecting on HIAS’s mission, he said, “Best security for them, digitally, physically, with their privacy and data. It heals them as much as it heals me.”
See also
Anthropic’s Claims of AI-Driven Cyberattacks Raise Industry Skepticism
Anthropic Reports AI-Driven Cyberattack Linked to Chinese Espionage
Quantum Computing Threatens Current Cryptography, Experts Seek Solutions
Anthropic’s Claude AI exploited in significant cyber-espionage operation
AI Poisoning Attacks Surge 40%: Businesses Face Growing Cybersecurity Risks
