There is a public misconception that only large businesses and corporations fall victim to data breaches. In reality, cybercriminals do not limit their attacks to just those popular targets. Instead, they are aware that nonprofit organizations have fewer resources and make easier targets and will go after just about any organization that is easy for them to exploit, making businesses and organizations of all sizes potential targets. It is therefore necessary to have proper cybersecurity for Nonprofits.

The majority of nonprofits utilize technology for a variety of daily operations. Fundraising and accounting programs are common among nonprofits and require a significant amount of sensitive information to be collected from various sources. Additionally, many non-profits rely solely on their loyal contributors to keep their organizations running. Strong cybersecurity is critical for nonprofit organizations to successfully protect their data and keep their operations running smoothly at all times.

Here are 5 ways in which nonprofit organizations can strengthen their cybersecurity posture in order to ensure that sensitive data is always protected.

1. Perform regular risk assessments.

No matter how well any organization secures its technology and data, there is always the possibility of potential new risks which could cause great harm to everyday operations. This is why regular risk assessments are necessary and will help decision makers fully understand your organization’s security posture.

When it comes to risks facing your nonprofit, it is important to consider all the private data you store as well as the devices that are connected to your network both locally and remotely. Doing so will help organization leaders discover potential vulnerabilities in their technology systems that could save them from disaster.

The knowledge gained through a risk assessment will help in making the right decisions that will improve your security and align your risk with acceptable tolerance levels, keeping your organization secure from an unwanted data breach.

2. Ensure your team has cybersecurity awareness training.

Increasing cybersecurity awareness in an organization is an essential factor when it comes to keeping your organization secure. Any staff or volunteer with a work-related device or mobile device should undergo cybersecurity awareness training.

By keeping your team cyber security aware, they will understand what cyber threats are, how they can affect the organization and will know the proper steps to take to reduce these risks keeping your data and your nonprofit organization secure.

Here are 4 essential points to cover in your cyber security awareness training:

• Current Trends: Educate your users on the latest forms forms of cyber attacks, how they can harm your organization and the best steps to take in order to avoid them.
• Attack Red Flags: Have any of your users clicked on a suspicious link or file? If so, advise immediately reporting the incident, and create procedures on how to avoid this from happening again.
• Threat Reaction Plan: Does your nonprofit have a designated person or technology services company to help you in case of a breach? If so, create general guidelines on how to proceed in case of an attack.
• Defensive Procedures: Run random simulated Phishing attacks on a regular basis to keep your users on their toes. If any user clicks on the attack link, they will need to repeat their cybersecurity training.

Ideally cybersecurity awareness training should be part of a broader human risk management program.

3. Use stronger passwords

Strong password policies can save businesses from falling victim to a number of cyber-attacks. While this may seem like an obvious precaution, having a strong password policy goes beyond coming up with one universal password for your non-profit. It is important for organizations to have a unique, complex password for every system that they use. After cracking one password, it is likely for cybercriminals to use that same password on any system that they can to further their attack. This is why having multiple passwords will save many organizations from data breaches.

4. Conduct Online Business More Securely

These days most nonprofits conduct business on the internet. From accepting online donation payments, to registrations for fundraising events, nonprofits collect, transmit, store, and process a wide variety of sensitive information.

Nonprofits need to ensure that secure web browser connections are being used when engaging in any online business activities. Some considerations for ensuring a secure browser connection include:

• Ensuring that their website is using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificates
• Using strong encryption
• Establishing and maintaining secure firewalls policies

5. Choose a reliable IT service provider

At the end of the day, choosing an IT service provider that you can trust will ultimately help secure your non-profit organization while also allowing you to focus on more important matters related to your organization. When you work with a managed service provider, you get access to a team of technology experts who have experience in dealing with the complexities of data backup and IT matters, and who can be there to help you in the event of a crisis. Finding the right IT service provider will ultimately increase productivity, improve security, and allow you and your team to focus on what matters the most.

Choose Managed IT Professionals for Your Non-Profit Organization

Managed IT Professionals provides premiere solutions  and IT services for nonprofit organizations in the greater New York and New Jersey area. Our team of experts is here to manage the day-to-day software of any non-profit organization and its cause to ensure that your productivity is always put first. If you are looking for cybersecurity solutions in Jacksonville, we encourage you to contact our office to speak with one of our IT specialists today.