Nonprofit organizations are often focused on their mission and the impact they have on the community. More than ever, it is crucial for nonprofits to prioritize cybersecurity and physical security to protect their sensitive data and maintain the trust of their donors and stakeholders.
In this article, we will discuss the importance of cybersecurity and physical security for nonprofit organizations and provide tips on how to prioritize and implement these measures.
Why is Cybersecurity Important for Nonprofit Organizations?
Nonprofits often handle sensitive information such as donor data, financial records, and personal information of their clients or beneficiaries. This makes them a prime target for cyberattacks. Cybercriminals also tend to assume that a nonprofit org isn’t using modern cybersecurity defense technologies and might be behind on security updates, patches, and may even be lax with security policies. This gives a cybercriminal a lot more to work with and can make your organization an easier target.
Protecting Sensitive Data
Nonprofits must prioritize cybersecurity to protect their sensitive data from cybercriminals. A data breach can not only result in financial losses but also damage the reputation and trust of the organization. This can have a significant impact on the organization's ability to fulfill its mission and receive donations.
Compliance with Regulations
Nonprofits may also be subject to various regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). These regulations require organizations to implement specific cybersecurity measures to protect personal data. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal consequences. Even if you don’t need to meet these particular standards, they provide a pretty reasonable baseline for how you should care for the data your organization stores.
Maintaining Donor Trust
Donors want to ensure that their donations are being used for the intended purpose and that their personal information is secure. A data breach can erode donor trust and lead to a decrease in donations. By prioritizing cybersecurity, nonprofit orgs can assure their donors that their information is safe and maintain their trust.
How Can Nonprofits Prioritize Cybersecurity?
Nonprofits can prioritize cybersecurity by following these best practices:
Conduct a Risk Assessment
The first step in prioritizing cybersecurity is to conduct a risk assessment. This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities and evaluating the impact they could have on the organization. A risk assessment will help directors and officers understand their current security posture and identify areas that need improvement. This is something that Dresner Group can get you started with. We can perform complete risk assessments and network audits to find immediate problems, help your organization prioritize, and solve problems before they become catastrophic.
Train Employees and Volunteers on Cybersecurity
Employees are often the weakest link in an organization's cybersecurity. Nonprofits should provide regular training to employees on how to identify and prevent cyberattacks. This can include topics such as phishing scams, password security, and safe internet browsing practices.
As your staff changes over time, you’ll want to be able to rerun this training, and possibly have a system running in the background that constantly keeps your staff reminded about the importance of cybersecurity. Phishing simulation is one of the best ways to do this, these days, as it involves fake phishing attempts being sent to your staff from time to time, and if they fall for it, the system uses that opportunity to educate.
Implement Strong Password Policies
Weak passwords are a common entry point for cybercriminals. Nonprofits should implement strong password policies that require employees to use complex passwords and change them regularly. They can also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
Keep Software and Systems Up to Date
Outdated software and systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Nonprofits should regularly update their software and systems to the latest versions to patch any known vulnerabilities. This includes operating systems, antivirus software, and other applications. We include this baseline maintenance in our service contacts.
Encrypt Devices and Transmitted Data
Encryption is a crucial tool for protecting sensitive data. Nonprofits should use encryption for all sensitive data, both in transit and at rest. This will ensure that even if a cybercriminal gains access to the data, they will not be able to read it
For instance, if your volunteers use laptops, the drives need to be encrypted so if a laptop were ever lost or stolen, a third party can’t simply steal all of the data on it.
Why is Physical Security Important for Nonprofits?
While cybersecurity is often top of mind for nonprofit orgs, physical security is equally important. Nonprofits often have physical assets such as office equipment, computers, and other valuable items that need to be protected.
Protecting Physical Assets
Nonprofits should prioritize physical security to protect their assets from theft or damage. This can include implementing access control measures, such as key cards or biometric scanners, to restrict access to sensitive areas. They should also have a system in place for tracking and securing physical assets.
These systems can be designed in a way to seamlessly integrate with the rest of your IT and physical security. They can “talk” to your security cameras, tie in with your Active Directory so you aren’t managing multiple lists of users and permissions, and give you the insight and visibility to ensure that only those with access to something have access to it.
Ensuring the Safety of Employees and Volunteers
Nonprofits often have employees and volunteers working in their offices or out in the field. It is the organization's responsibility to ensure their safety and security. This can include implementing safety protocols, such as emergency evacuation plans, and providing training on how to handle potentially dangerous situations.
This also means things like providing safe and secure ways to access data and applications when traveling. Public Wi-Fi can be dangerous and unsafe, but by providing a secure VPN and other centralized tools, you can ensure that your organization is always in control over your data.
Maintaining Confidentiality
Nonprofits often deal with sensitive information that should only be accessible to authorized personnel. Physical security measures, such as locked filing cabinets and secure document disposal, can help maintain the confidentiality of this information.
How Can Nonprofits Prioritize Physical Security?
Nonprofits can prioritize physical security by following these best practices:
Conduct a Security Audit
Similar to a risk assessment for cybersecurity, nonprofits should conduct a security audit to identify potential vulnerabilities in their physical security. This can include reviewing access control measures, identifying areas that need additional security, and evaluating the organization's emergency response plan. Again, this is something Dresner Group can help you with. It’s just a matter of getting the conversation started.
Implement Access Control Measures
Access control measures, such as key cards or biometric scanners, can help restrict access to sensitive areas and ensure that only authorized personnel have access. Nonprofits should also have a system in place for tracking who has access to what areas and regularly review and update access permissions.
Install Security Cameras
Security cameras can act as a deterrent for potential thieves or vandals and provide evidence in case of a security breach. Nonprofits should install security cameras in areas that are vulnerable to theft or damage, such as entry points and storage areas.
Train Employees on Physical Security
Similar to cybersecurity training, nonprofits should also provide training to employees on physical security. This can include topics such as how to identify and report suspicious activity, how to handle emergency situations, and how to properly secure physical assets.
Dresner Group is Baltimore’s #1 Nonprofit Security Partner
Nonprofits must prioritize both cybersecurity and physical security to protect their sensitive data, maintain donor trust, and ensure the safety of their employees and volunteers. By conducting risk assessments, implementing best practices, and regularly reviewing and updating security measures, nonprofits can create a secure environment for their organization and fulfill their mission without the fear of security breaches.
We help nonprofits of all sizes get their IT and security in line. You can focus on your mission, while Dresner Group focuses on keeping everything secure. Prioritizing cybersecurity and physical security can not only protect your organization but also create new opportunities for growth and success. To get started, give us a call at (410) 531-6727.
