In a pressing warning for the nonprofit sector, cybersecurity experts are sounding alarms over the rising threat of AI-powered cyberattacks, particularly against Jewish organizations. As technology evolves, the potential for malicious actors to leverage advanced artificial intelligence for cybercrime has grown exponentially. Jared Kaplan, CEO of Anthropic, disclosed that while computer processing power doubles approximately every 18 months, the speed of AI developments is tenfold, creating significant risks, especially with the recent release of the AI model, Claude Mythos.
Claude Mythos has been shown to write code capable of exploiting major operating systems, raising concerns for organizations that may not have robust cybersecurity measures in place. The urgency is underscored by mounting instances of antisemitism and geopolitical tensions, such as the recent conflict with Iran, which have prompted cybersecurity experts to advise vigilance among Jewish nonprofits and philanthropists. Jay Deitcher of eJewishPhilanthropy highlighted that these groups must prepare for the likelihood of targeted attacks.
Menny Barzilay, chief technology officer at the Blavatnik Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center at Tel Aviv University, pointed out that cybercriminals are remarkably innovative and quick to adopt new technologies for criminal activities. This trend indicates that nonprofit organizations, traditionally focused on physical security, must adapt to a landscape where digital threats are increasingly prevalent. Steve Gonzalez, vice president of global security at the Anti-Defamation League, reinforced this notion, stating that threats against Jewish institutions span physical, digital, and reputational domains. He noted that the same hate and extremism that fuel physical security threats are also manifesting online.
Between January and mid-April 2026, the Secure Community Network reported 190 cyberattacks targeting synagogues and Jewish organizations across 16 states. These incidents—ranging from website defacement to phishing and data exposure—highlight the urgency for improved cybersecurity within the community. Gonzalez remarked that cyberattacks, unlike physical threats, often do not receive the same level of attention or funding, leaving many organizations vulnerable.
Cyberattacks against Jewish institutions are not solely motivated by financial gain; they also serve as tools for information gathering and identifying potential targets. Michael Masters, national director and CEO of the Secure Community Network, noted the increasing overlap between cyber threats and physical targeting risks. “The overlap between cyber-activity and physical targeting risk is increasingly evident,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to security.
As the nonprofit sector grapples with these challenges, leaders within Jewish organizations are urged to reevaluate their security measures and invest more substantially in cybersecurity. The stakes are high, as the ramifications of inaction could be catastrophic, not just for individual organizations but for the broader community as well. With the advent of AI technologies like Claude Mythos, the risk landscape continues to evolve, necessitating a proactive approach to safeguarding against both digital and physical threats. As this situation develops, the effective integration of cybersecurity into the operational framework of nonprofits will be paramount to their resilience and sustainability in an increasingly hostile cyber environment.
See also
CERT-In Warns: Mythos and GPT-5.5 Elevate Cyber Threats with AI-Driven Attacks
CERT-In Warns MSMEs Face Increased AI-Driven Cyber Attack Risks; Urgent Defense Upgrades Needed
Top 30 AI Cybersecurity Platforms to Transform Digital Trust and Risk by 2026
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