Nonprofit organizations face a new challenge in addition to fighting famine, disease, and disasters – cybersecurity threats. Many NGOs, such as Save The Children, OneBlood, and Roots of Peace, have fallen victim to cyberattacks over the years. The lack of funding and staff dedicated to cybersecurity makes it even more difficult for these organizations to protect themselves.
Fortunately, there are initiatives like the CyberPeace Institute that offer free cybersecurity assistance to nonprofits. By assessing their current cybersecurity measures, NGOs can identify areas that need improvement and receive help from industry experts who volunteer their time for free. Implementing basic security controls like multi-factor authentication, password managers, and backups can already significantly reduce the risk of attacks.
For those unfamiliar with cybersecurity terms, resources like the CyberPeace Institute Glossary of Cyber Terms and the Microsoft Digital Defense Report can provide valuable information. Tech companies like Okta have also pledged to support nonprofits with cybersecurity initiatives, recognizing the importance of digital security for social sector organizations.
Experts emphasize the importance of not delaying cybersecurity efforts, especially considering the increasing number of cyber threats targeting nonprofits. Educating staff, raising awareness about phishing attacks, and collaborating with peer organizations are all valuable strategies in enhancing cybersecurity defenses. By working together and sharing resources, nonprofits can strengthen their resilience against cyber threats and protect sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands.