Why Is Cybersecurity Important For Nonprofits?
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the critical need for nonprofits to protect sensitive data and stay vigilant against cyber threats. In today’s digital world, nonprofits are often seen as easy targets due to limited cybersecurity resources. However, safeguarding donor information, financial records, and operational data is essential for maintaining trust and avoiding costly breaches.
Understanding Internal Cybersecurity Risks at Nonprofits
Most importantly, many of today’s threats stem from within organizations themselves. Users may unknowingly compromise accounts by clicking on phishing emails or entering credentials into fake sites. This highlights the need for increased online safety and cybersecurity awareness, especially within nonprofits, where staff and volunteers may lack dedicated IT training. Fortunately, there are accessible solutions to mitigate these risks.
Three Accessible Online Safety Solutions for Nonprofits
Set Up Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Nonprofits can implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection, requiring users to verify their identity beyond just entering a password. The good news? MFA is free to implement across many popular platforms used by nonprofits, such as email and donor management systems.
Activate Role-Based Access Controls and Conditional Access
Moreover, in the unfortunate event that an account is compromised, Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) and Conditional Access policies can prevent further damage by limiting what sensitive data the compromised user can access. Depending on the software you use these are generally easy to set up, ensuring that nonprofits can lock down accounts without adding significant overhead.
Leverage National Cybersecurity Resources
National cybersecurity efforts led by government agencies, like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), emphasize staying safe online and encourage organizations to adopt best practices in defending against threats and vulnerabilities. Nonprofits should take advantage of these resources to strengthen their security posture.
Cybersecurity Awareness Month serves as a timely reminder for nonprofit organizations to review their security measures. Whether it’s integrating MFA, utilizing RBAC, or implementing Conditional Access policies, these tools ensure that even if an attacker gains access to one account, they can’t reach everything. Nonprofits can make significant strides in securing their data and staying safe online without breaking the bank.
Key Cybersecurity Practices for Nonprofits to Implement
For nonprofits, strengthening cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. Here are some essential practices to consider:
Password Protection & Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Ensure strong, unique passwords and require additional authentication factors.
Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): Monitor and respond to security threats on individual devices.
Regular Software Updates & Patch Management: Keep systems up-to-date to minimize vulnerabilities.
Security Awareness Training: Educate employees on phishing scams, social engineering, and other potential threats.
Backup & Disaster Recovery Plans: Maintain data integrity and enable quick recovery in the event of an attack.
Protect Your Nonprofit this Cybersecurity Awareness Month
The ZIM team is fortunate to have eCreek IT in our corner as our IT specialist, ensuring our systems stay secure and up-to-date. They’ve provided this valuable infographic that highlights common cybersecurity threats and tips for staying protected. Stay safe and cyber-aware!
As the cybersecurity threat landscape continues to evolve, don’t wait until it’s too late—take advantage of Cybersecurity Awareness Month to build a strong defense for your nonprofit.
Interested in learning more about safeguarding your data? Check out more blogs on this topic here.