Protecting Good Deeds: Cybersecurity for Nonprofits
For nonprofits, the mantra “do more with less” defines everyday operations. Whether juggling tight budgets, limited staff, or a growing list of priorities, nonprofits focus on one critical goal: advancing their mission. But there’s a growing threat that can derail these efforts—cyberattacks.
Nonprofits are prime targets for cybercriminals, often seen as "low-hanging fruit" because of constrained resources for IT security. Attackers know nonprofits often operate on lean budgets with limited security resources, making them softer targets compared to large enterprises. Unfortunately, this can lead to devastating consequences, from data breaches to lost donor trust.
If you’re a nonprofit professional, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Your organization handles sensitive donor data, client information, and payment details—making your systems a goldmine for cybercriminals. At Julep, we believe that every nonprofit should feel empowered to take control of its cybersecurity. With the right strategies, you can protect your organization, data, and mission.
Here’s how your nonprofit can improve its cybersecurity stance and safeguard its mission.
Why Nonprofits Are Targeted
Nonprofits store a wealth of personally identifiable information, known as PII. This includes everything from donor credit card numbers to employee Social Security details and beneficiary medical records. Cybercriminals value this data, selling it on black markets for identity theft, fraud, and more.
The average cost of a data breach is rising, with damages often exceeding millions of dollars, leaving nonprofits scrambling to recover not only their funds but also their reputation.
Cyberattacks don’t just lead to monetary losses. They erode donor trust and jeopardize compliance with regulations like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) or General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for organizations that also operate in Europe. Prioritizing cybersecurity isn’t just an IT concern—it’s a strategic imperative for every nonprofit leader. Noncompliance can lead to significant fines and reputational damage.
Common Cybersecurity Threats Facing Nonprofits
Phishing Attacks: These social engineering tactics trick staff into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
Ransomware: Malware that locks your data and demands a ransom to regain access.
Website Hijacking: Hackers can take control of poorly protected websites and post harmful content or stealing user information.
Data Breaches: Includes leaks of sensitive information due to inadequate safeguards or third-party vulnerabilities.
Four Pillars of Cybersecurity for Nonprofits
To build a resilient cybersecurity stance, nonprofits must address these key areas:
1. Limit Oversharing
Oversharing on social media or websites can unintentionally provide cybercriminals with valuable information. For example, announcing a CEO’s travel plans might lead to phishing attacks disguised as urgent requests from the absent leader.
Train staff to avoid posting sensitive operational details online and sanitize public posts to exclude key details about your organization’s internal workings.
Share success stories only after events have concluded and be mindful of what’s shared about staff and donors.
Train staff to recognize what constitutes sensitive information.
Implement a “think-before-you-share” policy for social media and public communications.
2. Train Your Team to Spot Threats
The human element is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Phishing emails and other social engineering tactics trick employees into revealing sensitive data or granting access to systems. Security awareness training is a cost-effective and impactful way to reduce incidents. Try implementing these steps:
Invest in regular, mandatory cybersecurity training.
Simulate phishing exercises to test staff readiness.
Develop a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting suspicious activity without fear of reprisal.
Many cybersecurity companies offer affordable or even free security awareness training tailored for nonprofits.
3. Strengthen Logins with Secure Practices
Weak passwords and unsecured accounts are gateways for cybercriminals. Here’s how to lock them down:
Unique Passwords: Ensure no password is reused across systems.
Enable MFA (Multifactor Authentication): Require a second step, like a text code or authentication app, to log in.
Use Password Managers: Tools like LastPass or 1Password can help your team generate and store strong, unique passwords.
4. Implement Robust Backup Solutions
Even with top-notch defenses, breaches can happen. Backups ensure your organization can recover quickly without paying a ransom.
Daily Automated Backups: Use cloud solutions with encryption.
Test Recovery Plans: Regularly practice restoring data to ensure backups work as expected.
Offsite Storage: Keep encrypted copies in a secure offsite location to protect against physical threats like fires.
The ROI of Cybersecurity
Neglecting cybersecurity can be far more costly than investing in protection. Data breaches cost an average of $5 million in 2023, with nonprofits at risk of fines, operational downtime, and donor distrust. Meanwhile, implementing basic measures like multifactor authentication and regular training can significantly reduce the likelihood of incidents.
Cybersecurity on a Budget: Practical Solutions
While it may feel daunting to allocate resources to cybersecurity, there are cost-effective ways to get started:
Adopt Free or Low-Cost Tools: Many platforms offer nonprofit discounts for security tools, such as password managers, antivirus software, and backup solutions.
Use a Cybersecurity Framework: Frameworks like National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) or Center for Internet Security Controls provide roadmaps tailored to small organizations.
Consider Cyber Liability Insurance: This can help mitigate financial losses from breaches.
Building a Culture of Security
Cybersecurity is not a one-and-done task. It requires an ongoing commitment to building awareness, staying informed about evolving threats, and adapting strategies to mitigate risks.
Nonprofits are at the forefront of solving society’s biggest challenges. Don’t let a cyberattack derail your mission. By taking proactive steps today, you can protect your organization and those you serve from the fallout of tomorrow’s cyber threats.
Moving Forward: A Call to Action
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting your nonprofit—it’s about safeguarding the trust donors place in your organization. By taking proactive steps, you can ensure your nonprofit thrives in a digital age without falling victim to cyber threats.
Start your cybersecurity journey today. Train your team, secure your logins, and adopt tools like Julep to protect your mission. Because no good deed should be punished by a cyberattack.
Julep: Designed with Security in Mind
At Julep, we understand that fundraisers and nonprofits need technology that’s not only powerful but secure. That’s why our nonprofit CRM includes built-in security features like encrypted data storage, role-based access controls, multifactor authorization, and regular software updates. With Julep, you can focus on your mission while we help protect your data.