Cybersecurity is crucial for all sizes of companies, because keeping information safe and secure is a number one priority. While large businesses are less prone to cyber attacks, small and medium-sized businesses tend to be frequent targets of cybercrime. Non-profit organizations face a higher risk of cyberattacks because they often lack sufficient expertise and resources. Because they are working with limited budgets and donor funds, a strong cybersecurity program should be implemented that aligns with the organization’s goals.
Cybercriminals prefer businesses that have weaker security because they are “low-hanging fruit”. That’s why non-profit organizations are the perfect match for them. This blog will explore why non-profits are increasingly targeted by cybercriminals, the common risks they face, and the steps they can take to enhance their cybersecurity.
Why Non-Profit Organizations Are Vulnerable to Fraud?
Non-profit organizations are more vulnerable to cyberattacks compared to for-profit organizations. Limited resources, no expertise, poor internal controls, and insufficient training are some of the main factors that make non-profits the perfect target for fraud. Larger companies are better prepared to handle cyberattacks because they have more resources, better training programs, and more experience managing cybersecurity threats.
Non-profits, on the other hand, are smaller organizations that help individuals worldwide with the help of donors. Since donations come through digital channels, hackers see them as easy targets, especially when security resources are limited.
Importance of IT Security for Non-Profits
Allowing unreliable access to sensitive data can damage an organization’s trust and reputation, and even put its entire mission at risk. Therefore, cybersecurity for non-profits is a must-have tool because:
Protects Sensitive Data
Nonprofits handle a wide range of sensitive data, from donor payment details to personal data about people they protect, volunteers, and individuals they serve. Having strong cybersecurity solutions protects this sensitive information from attacks and exploitation by making it harder for anyone to gain easy access.
Maintains Trust
A data breach can severely damage an organization’s reputation and mission. This makes it difficult to gain trust from donors and supporters. By implementing proper cybersecurity measures, non-profits can protect important information, show responsibility to the community, and gain trust from everyone involved in the work.
Ensures Regulatory Compliance
Non-profits handle sensitive data, which may be subject to legal regulations. Strong IT data privacy helps ensure the organization meets these obligations, avoids penalties, and demonstrates liability to donors and partners.
Prevents Financial Loss
The financial costs of cyberattacks can be devastating to the organization, especially when it has a limited budget. Non-profit cybersecurity will prevent fraud, ransomware, and other attacks, keeping the funds safe for important tasks and projects.
Common Cyber Threats Non-Profits Face
The main mission of non-profits is to help families and individuals through hard times, provide enough food and water, and ensure essentials in case of emergencies. While managing all these critical services, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Common cybersecurity risks they can face are:
- Phishing scams
- Ransomware attacks
- Data breaches
- Donation tracking
- Insider threats
- Outdated systems
- Third-party vendor risks
Being exposed to these threats can result in having access to passwords, usernames, personal data, financial information about payments, and more. All systems must be updated to the latest technology and provide security that will protect not only sensitive information but also the entire mission.
Cybersecurity for Non-Profits: Best Practices
In non-profit organizations, securing both incomes and outcomes is critical. Protecting donations and funding sources ensures financial stability, while secure data and systems allow the organization to continue delivering programs and services effectively.
To provide a safe and trustworthy environment for everyone, non-profits should follow certain practices to manage and protect information at the highest level.
1. Implement Strong Cybersecurity
When dealing with important and sensitive data, developing a strong cybersecurity policy is the number one priority. Conduct risk assessments, ensure strong passwords, provide regular staff education and training, and create a detailed recovery plan. Creating a comfortable environment helps people work more effectively.
2. Provide Proper Training
Effective cybersecurity for non-profits requires proper employee training to recognize and respond to potential threats. They should know how to respond in advance and prevent the problem before it becomes a major issue. This way, all personal and financial data will be protected, ensuring work continues smoothly.
3. Keep Systems Updated
Every system and software your organization is using must be updated with the latest technology. An outdated system that has not received the latest version makes it vulnerable to security threats and performance degradation. Therefore, it is important to check for updates regularly and maintain system security to perform optimally.Â
4. Backup Data Regularly
Implementing automated data backups ensures all information is stored securely and meets compliance standards. These backups can be done daily, weekly, or monthly, depending on your size and resources. However, it is recommended to do daily backups and minimize the risk of losing critical information. In case you’ve been threatened by cyber criminals, you will have all the data saved off-site or in the cloud. Â
5. Provide Audit Security
Regular cybersecurity audits are done to identify and address possible vulnerabilities in your system. Being able to detect and address possible fraud and cyberattacks makes it easier for the organization to manage. If the staff is well-trained, they can better handle potential threats and respond more effectively. Â
6. Implement Strong Passwords With MFA
Create a strong and complex password that prevents cybercriminals from accessing it easily. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a great way to add a second layer of security. This means that besides the regular password, it requires another method, for example, a phone code, or a fingerprint. Ensuring a stable multi-layered security solution will prevent unauthorized access and phishing attempts and create more robust digital protection.Â
7. Encrypting Sensitive Data
Encryption is one of the most effective ways for non-profits to protect sensitive information. By encrypting files, emails, and databases, even if cybercriminals gain access to the system, the information remains hard to read without the proper keys. This powerful practice helps non-profits maintain trust, comply with data protection regulations, and keep their mission safe.
To Sum Up
One of the best ways to secure non-profit systems and software is to provide a strong culture of cybersecurity and extensive non-profit IT support, which includes all members involved, including volunteers, supporters, staff, and board members. Being part of a small organization requires a greater responsibility to understand every action you take. Try to report every suspicious email or message and be prepared to act fast to avoid additional risk that will harm your whole organization.  Â
