Nonprofit organizations often juggle a lot with limited resources, including fundraising, community programs, and volunteer coordination. With so much to do, nonprofits often overlook one key area of their operations: cybersecurity. And cybercriminals know this. They view nonprofits as an opportunity to access vast amounts of personal data, financial records, and confidential information, which they can use for malicious purposes. A single breach could be disastrous for nonprofits like yours, jeopardizing their funding, relationships with donors, and even the communities they serve.
So, how do you make cybersecurity part of your nonprofit’s culture? The key is awareness. By equipping your team with essential security skills and fostering strong habits in daily operations, you can dramatically reduce your cyberthreat risks.
Practical ways to build a culture of cybersecurity awareness
Below are several cost-effective and realistic steps your nonprofit can take to foster a culture that values cybersecurity.
Start with leadership buy-in
Cybersecurity awareness starts at the top. When leaders prioritize cybersecurity, they set a standard that inspires others to do the same. By contrast, if your board members and executives aren’t modeling good digital behavior, it’s hard to expect the rest of the organization to follow.
Begin leadership buy-in by informing C-suite employees about the risks cyberattacks pose, emphasizing both the financial losses and reputational damage they can cause. Make it a topic of discussion at board meetings and strategic planning sessions. The more cybersecurity is treated as a strategic priority, the more embedded it becomes in your organization’s overall approach.
Make training engaging and regular
Single seminars aren’t enough. Your nonprofit needs a continuous cybersecurity training program designed specifically for its operations. Use real-world examples relevant to the nonprofit sector, such as phishing emails disguised as donation platforms or fraudulent vendor invoices. Short, interactive sessions work best for busy teams. Consider using quizzes, videos, or gamified content to keep your people engaged.
Consider making training a requirement for new hires and volunteers during onboarding, and offer periodic refreshers throughout the year. When training becomes routine, cybersecurity awareness becomes second nature.
Develop clear policies and procedures
Establish clear, easy-to-understand cybersecurity policies and make them accessible to everyone. Cover things from password management to device usage and how to report suspicious activity. Avoid technical jargon and focus on practical steps.
Also, make sure you have detailed procedures for addressing data breaches, phishing, and other attacks. For one, knowing who to contact and how to act swiftly can considerably minimize damage by reducing response times and facilitating an efficient, rapid response.
Empower your staff and volunteers
Cybersecurity shouldn’t feel like a top-down directive. Encourage everyone — including volunteers — to take ownership of their digital safety. Foster a culture where individuals feel confident asking questions and reporting suspicious activity, free from fear of judgment or blame. Acknowledging and rewarding positive cybersecurity practices can support this effort. Something as simple as a “Cyber Star of the Month” award can help reinforce the message that cybersecurity matters for everyone.
Leverage free or low-cost resources
You don’t need a big budget to improve cybersecurity awareness. Organizations such as the National Council of Nonprofits and the Center for Internet Security offer free toolkits, webinars, and policy templates. Many government agencies also provide free training and updates on emerging threats.
Consider reaching out to local universities or tech community groups as well. Many offer pro bono support or student-led initiatives that can help you assess and improve your cybersecurity posture.
Review and adapt
Cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it situation. Schedule regular reviews of your policies, training materials, and incident response procedures. Stay up to date with new threats and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Assign a member of your team to monitor cybersecurity trends or subscribe to alerts from trusted sources. Doing so keeps your organization informed about the latest risks. Even better, collaborate with a trusted IT provider specializing in nonprofit cybersecurity to ensure your organization’s protection.
Partner with cybersecurity experts who understand your mission
Looking for support tailored to your nonprofit’s needs? Consider partnering with Digicom Technology Solutions. With years of experience helping nonprofits like yours secure their operations, Digicom offers the tools, guidance, and expertise to make cybersecurity manageable and effective for your organization. Discover how Digicom can enhance and fortify your cyber defenses. Contact us today.
