Are Hackers Targeting Your Nonprofit Today?
Cyber threats are on the rise—and no nonprofit is too small or too new to be spared. Even midsize and community-based organizations can become prime targets. Below, you’ll discover why cybersecurity has become essential for nonprofit leaders and the people they serve.
Every Nonprofit Is a Target in Today’s Digital Landscape
Criminals aren’t just lurking in alleyways anymore; they’re online. Cybercriminals conduct targeted attacks daily in the nonprofit sector, aiming to steal donor data, compromise financial information, or disrupt critical program operations.
If you think you’re safe because your organization is small or operating in a niche, think again. Fundera reports that cybercrimes cost small to medium-sized entities over $2.2 million annually, which can be devastating to a nonprofit’s ability to deliver on its mission.
Smaller organizations also have the most to lose. According to the US National Cyber Security Alliance, 60% of small entities that experience cyberattacks go under within six months. For nonprofits, an attack can mean irreparable damage to community trust and mission delivery.
A Roadmap to a Secure and Resilient Nonprofit
Why wait until disaster strikes? Building a culture of cybersecurity starts with proactive leadership. Consider these steps to protect your donors, staff, and the communities you serve.
Practice Insider Threat Management
A Ponemon Institute study found that insider threats rose by 44% between 2020 and 2022. Part of the increase stems from record staff turnovers and the widespread adoption of hybrid work setups.
Keep in mind that not all insider threats are malicious—some come from simple oversights or user errors. Still, the consequences can be severe.
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Centralize data and track who can access key systems.
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Educate your team to spot phishing emails and create strong passwords.
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Monitor user activity and set up alerts for unusual behavior.
These measures can help your nonprofit avoid costly data leaks and ensure donor confidence remains high.
Devise Ransomware Defense Strategies
Ransomware is malicious software that locks your data until you pay a ransom. Unfortunately, paying up doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your files back—and it often leads to repeat attacks.
In 2022 alone, cybercriminals stole about $456.8 million through ransomware, and organizations typically face 21 days of downtime while trying to recover.
Here’s how to combat ransomware in your nonprofit:
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Backup data regularly—cloud-based backups and offline copies ensure you won’t lose everything.
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Keep software updated—frequent updates can close security gaps.
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Invest in antivirus solutions—and ensure they run regular scans.
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Limit user permissions—restrict software installation or system changes to approved staff only.
Get Cyber Liability Insurance
When a crisis hits, not having coverage can devastate your nonprofit’s finances. Liability insurance helps cover the expenses related to data breaches, potential legal fees, and recovery efforts.
Different plans cover different scenarios, so consult a professional and read the fine print to ensure your nonprofit has the coverage it needs.
Stay On Top of Regulatory Compliance
The last thing you want is to face fines or legal complications. High-profile data breaches—from large companies like DoorDash and Uber—have put donor privacy and organizational data security under the lens of regulators. Nonprofits must keep abreast of evolving guidelines and requirements in HIPAA, the Homeland Security Act, and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, among others.
From Awareness to Action in Cybersecurity
So, what steps can you take to protect your nonprofit today? Consider starting small—conduct a security audit, update passwords, train staff on phishing awareness, and plan for data backups. From there, build on a consistent cybersecurity framework that grows alongside your organization.
Cybersecurity for nonprofits is a journey, not a destination. Every improvement you make—from insider threat management to ransomware prevention—strengthens your organization’s resilience against threats, allowing you to focus on what matters most: serving your community and advancing your mission.
