As cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and the number of cyber threats rapidly grows, protecting your valuable data from malicious actors is important. Nonprofits have become a popular target which means that your organization and mission may be at risk.
Fortunately, with the right security measures in place, you can keep your sensitive data safe from prying eyes and prevent hefty noncompliance penalties.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of nonprofit cybersecurity and how you can protect your organization from cyber threats.
The Threats Nonprofits Face
Unfortunately, the charitable nature of nonprofits doesn’t deter cybercriminals—in fact, hackers target nonprofits due to their limited resources and vulnerable IT infrastructures. Hackers present a wide variety of threats to your organization, including but not limited to:
- Data breaches
- Email phishing schemes
- Malware
- Ransomware
- Online donation vulnerabilities
Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can protect your organization from these threats. By implementing a solid cybersecurity strategy, you’ll be able to keep your data secure and fend off malicious actors.
How Nonprofits Can Bolster Their Security
If you’re looking for ways to bolster your nonprofit cybersecurity, we’ll walk you through a few steps you can take to protect your data.
Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
An important step to take is to implement multifactor authentication (MFA) on all accounts, particularly those that have access to sensitive information. This will add an extra layer of security and make it harder for attackers to gain access.
Keep Software Updated
Another essential step is to keep all software updated. Software updates often include critical security patches, so it’s important to install them as soon as they are available. When you don’t install your software updates you are leaving openings for hackers to exploit.
Encrypt Sensitive Information
When you are storing sensitive information, such as customer data or financial records, it is important to encrypt it. This will help protect the data in case of a breach and ensure no one can access it without authorization.
Conduct a Risk Assessment
You should conduct regular risk assessments to identify any potential weak points in your system. This should be done periodically to ensure you recognize any new or recurring vulnerabilities and can correct them.
Be Wary of Unfamiliar Emails or Texts
Your staff should also be trained to be careful of unfamiliar emails or texts. This type of malicious message could contain malware, phishing scams, and other cyber threats that can put your data at risk.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links or Attachments
Don’t click on any suspicious links or attachments. This is one of the most common ways malicious actors gain access to your data, as they can install malware or ransomware onto your system. When in doubt, don’t click on it.
Ensure Backups Are in Place
To protect your data in case of a breach, you should ensure backups are in place. This includes both onsite and offsite backups that you can use to restore any lost data in the event of an emergency.
Use a Managed Service Provider
Lastly, if you’re looking for expert advice on nonprofit cybersecurity, consider using a managed service provider. Working with an IT expert who has experience with nonprofits can help protect your organization. A managed service provider can help you develop an effective cybersecurity strategy and provide ongoing support and expert advice.
For Airtight Nonprofit Cybersecurity, Call Unity IT
With the right measures in place, you can protect your nonprofit organization and mission from cyber threats. By understanding the risks, implementing strong security protocols, and using a managed service provider, you’ll be able to provide airtight cybersecurity for your nonprofit.
At Unity IT, we specialize in providing cybersecurity solutions for nonprofits. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with your organization!