Cybersecurity and Nonprofits
Many nonprofits collect and store sensitive information. When there is a breach, it poses risks to not only the individuals whose data is disclosed, but also to the nonprofit that is now subject to liability. It makes sense for every nonprofits to assess the risk of cyber attacks and take proactive actions
Privacy & Compliance
Nonprofits often work with individuals in sensitive situations while providing services and collecting personal information from their donors, both of which require discretion and care of data. It is important for organizations to stay abreast of updates to Privacy Acts like PIPEDA, PIPA and GDPR. Complying with these regulations safeguard your reputation, preserve stakeholder confidence and oversee legal and financial liability.
Taking an inventory of all types of data you collect and reviewing your data collection process is a good place to start. A risk assessment helps identify any security gaps that can be addressed to mitigate the risks. It should be an ongoing process to evaluate potential risks in a systematic and timely manner.
Ransomware Protection
Nonprofits are often the targets of ransomware attackers. Leaving the nonprofit sector vulnerable to ransomware is unwise because nonprofits handle sensitive information and have financial limitations.
Low budgets for cyber security will hinder their ability to hire a dedicated IT team specializing in security. It is easier and cheaper to outsource to an organization with supporting resources, infrastructure, and a vast experience to assess needs and implement strong security protocols. Starting with low budget security programs can save cost while allowing nonprofits to invest in security early on.
User Education
Kobalt.io’s user education helps employees stay up to date with the latest threat landscape and attack trends, by combining security awareness training with regular phishing simulations. Employees should be trained to be vigilant, watch for suspicious emails and phishing scams, avoid sharing confidential information, reduce public wi-fi use, and they should be encouraged to use strong passwords. All of these measures reduce the chance of a potential breach. Regular training can boost awareness, keep important knowledge fresh, and keep employees up to date on best practices and laws.
