5 Simple and FREE Cybersecurity Tips for Nonprofits

Think you’re too small to be hacked? Hackers don’t think so! Nonprofits and community service organizations are attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking easy wins.

Cybersecurity for nonprofits: Cybercriminals don’t necessarily target nonprofits specifically but seek weak spots, and nonprofits often present those vulnerabilities due to limited cybersecurity resources. Community organizations handle sensitive data, including donor information, member records, and financial details—all of which are valuable to attackers. Inexperienced staff and volunteers can be vulnerable to phishing, accounting for 41% of cyberattacks on small organizations, often leading to significant losses. Here are 5 simple, FREE steps you can take right now to strengthen the cybersecurity of your nonprofit:

1. Secure Your Accounts
   • Why: Weak or repeated passwords are an easy in for attackers. Use a unique password for each account and never repeat them. Use a password manager to help you generate and securely store strong passwords. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
   • How Hackers Exploit This: Cybercriminals use brute force attacks and credential stuffing (where breached credentials are tested across multiple accounts) to break in, steal data, or lock you out.
     
2. Ensure Your Router/Wi-Fi Is Secure and Encrypted
   • Why: Unencrypted Wi-Fi allows attackers to intercept the data traffic passing through the network, capturing sensitive information like passwords and financial details.
   • How Hackers Exploit This: Hackers can perform Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks on unsecured or poorly protected Wi-Fi, where they intercept communication between your device and the internet. This allows them to steal login credentials, monitor your activity, or inject malware into your network.
     
3. Keep Software and Devices Updated
   • Why: Outdated software has vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
   • How Hackers Exploit This: Attackers actively scan for businesses using unpatched software. They exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to break into systems, install malware, or steal data. For example, ransomware is often deployed through vulnerabilities in unpatched software.
     
4. Back Up Your Data Regularly
   • Why: In the event of ransomware or system failure, backups allow you to restore data without paying a ransom or losing everything.
   • How Hackers Exploit This: Hackers use ransomware to encrypt your data, locking you out and demanding payment to restore access. Without a backup, businesses are often forced to pay the ransom. Having regular backups ensures you can restore your data without giving in to the attacker’s demands. You can also use free ransomware protection software like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender Anti-Ransomware to help detect and block ransomware before it encrypts your files.
     
5. Train Staff and Volunteers to Recognize Phishing
   • Why: Phishing scams trick users into clicking malicious links, sharing sensitive information, or completing fraudulent transactions.
   • How Hackers Exploit This: Phishing emails appear legitimate but carry harmful links or attachments. Clicking on them can lead to data theft or malware installation. Phishing is one of the easiest ways for attackers to bypass even strong security measures because it exploits human error. Our free phishing spotting course teaches you how to detect and avoid these scams.

Bonus Tip #6: If your organization supports marginalized groups, it may be targeted by trolls and hackers. Enroll in our FREE CyberShield course on defending against online harassment and hate.

For more resources on cybersecurity for nonprofits check out our FREE and interactive course delivered by email dedicated to phishing spotting, register here. We also have FREE cybersafety awareness courses for all ages available at CybersafetyAcademy.org

Don’t wait until your Nonprofit grows to think about cybersecurity—because hackers aren’t waiting to break in.