Why cybersecurity matters for nonprofits
Running a not-for-profit means stretching every dollar to make a difference. But in today’s digital world, protecting your data is just as important as protecting your mission. Whether it’s donor records, financials, or sensitive programme information, cybersecurity and data privacy are non-negotiable.
The reality is simple: a cyber-attack doesn’t just cause technical headaches. It can erode trust, damage your reputation, and disrupt services that communities rely on. For nonprofits, the risk is amplified by limited budgets, older systems, and a lack of dedicated IT resources.
The unique cybersecurity vulnerabilities of nonprofits:
Not-for-profits aren’t immune to cybercrime. In fact, they’re often more attractive targets than people think:
- Limited Resources: Small budgets mean less investment in cybersecurity tools or staff.
- Outdated Systems: Older, unsupported software can be an open door for hackers.
- Loss of Trust: A data breach can jeopardise donor relationships and funding.
- High-Value Data: Donor, financial, and beneficiary information is highly valuable on the dark web.
- Low Cyber Awareness: Staff and volunteers may not be trained to spot phishing or social engineering tactics.
At XP, we see these vulnerabilities regularly across the nonprofit sector. The good news? They’re challenges you can overcome without breaking the bank.
How to choose a cybersecurity assessment tool
A cybersecurity assessment tool helps you understand your current security posture and where the gaps are. For NFPs, the “right” tool is one that balances affordability, usability, and effectiveness.
Here’s what to look for:
- Affordability: Seek tools that offer nonprofit discounts or free tiers.
- Ease of Use: Choose platforms that don’t require deep technical expertise.
- Scalability: Ensure the tool can grow with your organisation.
- Compliance Support: Look for features that help you meet data privacy regulations.
- Training & Support: Opt for tools that include onboarding and ongoing help.
XP recommends starting with Microsoft 365 Secure Score and exploring Azure’s built-in security assessments. These tools are often already included in your existing licences and provide actionable insights without extra cost.
Beyond the basics – building a security-first culture
Tools and policies are essential, but lasting protection comes from culture. Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem—it’s an organisational mindset.
- Lead from the Top: Board members and executives should model good security habits.
- Embed Data Privacy in Daily Work: From handling donor information to sharing files, make safe practices the norm.
- Celebrate Good Security: Recognise staff who spot phishing attempts or report suspicious activity.
- Keep it Human: Avoid jargon. Explain why a step (like two-factor authentication) matters, not just how to do it.
By weaving cybersecurity and data privacy into the fabric of your organisation, you reduce risk and build long-term resilience.
Simple steps to improve security today
Even without a big budget, you can take meaningful steps to protect your organisation:
- Create security policies: Define rules for passwords, data access, and internet use. Remind staff of these things often, because as humans, we tend to become complacent over time
- Educate your team: Run phishing simulations and awareness training. Your team is your first line of defence. Educate them about common cybersecurity risks, like phishing emails and suspicious downloads. Train them to spot red flags and know what to do if they encounter a potential threat. As I mentioned before, this is something we do, and can help you with as well.
- Use a password manager: Tools like 1Password help enforce strong, unique passwords. Password managers are also great at generating unique, strong passwords, making it super simple.
- Update software regularly: Schedule updates to patch vulnerabilities. Encourage staff to schedule time in their calendars to run these updates (we recommend doing them over your lunch break!)
- Back up your data: Use secure cloud storage with compliance safeguards. That way, if disaster strikes, you can recover without missing a beat. Don’t forget to consider where your backup data is stored, and if on the cloud, ensure the data compliance matches your unique requirements.
Final thoughts
Cybersecurity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. By investing in cybersecurity and data privacy, and choosing the right cybersecurity assessment tool, not-for-profits can protect their mission, their data, and the communities they serve.
XP is here to help you find affordable, scalable solutions tailored to your needs. Let’s work together to make your organisation a tougher target for cyber threats.