As with many other organizations, cybersecurity has become a top priority for nonprofits. However, many nonprofits struggle with cybersecurity, leaving them vulnerable to various cyber threats. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, nonprofits are facing increasing risks. For nearly three decades, Exigent has provided cybersecurity for nonprofit partners, learning lessons all along the way. We’d like to share nonprofit cybersecurity best practices and explain why nonprofit IT security is crucial to the success of these important community organizations.
Cybercriminals often target nonprofits due to vulnerabilities – perceived and real – in nonprofit cybersecurity risk management strategies. Nonprofits typically operate with limited budgets, which can prevent them from investing in sophisticated cybersecurity tools and resources. Additionally, nonprofits are tasked with both donor privacy and cybersecurity, as well as compliance. With valued data such as donor information and banking details stored in their IT environments, nonprofits are highly lucrative targets for hackers.
Nonprofits are not immune to the types of cyberattacks seen in other sectors. But they face certain specific risks:
As the frequency and sophistication of these attacks increase, nonprofits must understand that being small or mission-driven does not exempt them from cyber threats.
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Cybersecurity data breaches can have a devastating financial impact on nonprofits. A breach can lead to significant monetary losses, including regulatory fines and legal fees. Additionally, the cost of responding to a cyberattack — including forensic investigations, system restorations, and potential ransom payments — can be substantial.
Nonprofits also risk losing trust with donors and stakeholders, who may withdraw their support if they believe the organization cannot safeguard their information and the nonprofit’s information security posture is weak. This can lead to a long-term loss of funding, damaging a nonprofit’s ability to fulfill its mission.
Nonprofits are required to comply with various data protection laws and regulations. These may include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), or the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), depending on the type of data they handle and where they operate. Any nonprofit that accesses credit cards or other payments faced additional compliance standards. Often regulatory compliance agencies expect or demand cybersecurity audits for nonprofits as well as security awareness training, both of which can add to the budgetary burden already faced by many organizations. However, failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines, legal repercussions, and reputational damage. Therefore, nonprofits must understand and adhere to the relevant legal frameworks governing their operations.
To protect themselves from cyber threats, nonprofits should adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Below are essential steps nonprofits can take:
Cyber insurance can offer financial protection in the event of a cyberattack. Policies often cover the costs associated with breach recovery, legal fees, and even ransom payments in some cases. However, nonprofits should carefully review their policies to understand the extent of their coverage and ensure it meets their specific needs. Working with a cyber insurance expert who has experience in the nonprofit sector is another way to gain access to not only the correct coverage but also industry best practices.
While cyber insurance is not a substitute for a robust nonprofit cybersecurity plan, it can be a valuable safety net for organizations that find themselves the target of an attack.
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One of the strengths of the nonprofit sector is its collaborative spirit. Nonprofits can benefit from sharing resources and best practices related to cybersecurity. Several organizations, such as the National Council of Nonprofits and the CyberPeace Institute, offer guidance and tools to help nonprofits enhance their cybersecurity posture. By leveraging these resources, nonprofits can stay informed about the latest threats and nonprofit cybersecurity strategies without having to bear the full cost of developing these systems independently.
Cybersecurity is not just a concern for large corporations — it is an essential aspect of running a nonprofit in today’s digital world. From protecting donor data to ensuring compliance with legal regulations, nonprofits have much to lose if they fail to secure their systems. Exigent collaborates with its nonprofit clients to ensure their technology is designed securely and then monitored and maintained to lessen the threat of a cyber attack. We work to deliver right-sized cybersecurity solutions for nonprofits and offer security awareness training as well as best practices from across the nonprofit sector.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, nonprofits can protect their missions, their data, and their reputations. With the right strategies and resources in place, nonprofits can mitigate the risk of cyberattacks and continue their vital work without unnecessary disruption. Learn how Exigent can help.
Daniel Haurey Jr. is the president and founder of managed IT services provider Exigent Technologies, which he founded in 1997. Under his leadership, the MSP has earned accolades ranging from Channel Futures MSP 501 to being named SonicWall’s 2024 MSP Growth Partner of the Year. Dan is a true entrepreneur, dedicated to growing, investing in, and mentoring small businesses. You can find him on LinkedIn, where he regularly posts about technology, business, leadership, and community.