Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations play a vital role in providing essential services and humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities worldwide. However, as these organizations increasingly rely on digital technologies to manage operations, collect sensitive data, and facilitate fundraising, they have become prime targets for cybercriminals. The non-profit sector faces unique cybersecurity challenges that put their critical missions and the people they serve at risk.
One of the primary challenges is the limited budgets and resources that non-profits typically have to dedicate towards cybersecurity. “Nonprofits operate on well-defined and often limited budgets, dedicating most of their funds to fulfilling their mandates. This makes it difficult for nonprofits to attract the cybersecurity talent needed to stay secure,” as noted in the National Cybersecurity Strategy. Without adequate funding and expertise, many non-profits struggle to implement robust security measures and keep pace with the evolving threat landscape.
Another significant obstacle is the lack of awareness and prioritization of cybersecurity among non-profit leaders. “Beyond funding, one of the main challenges nonprofits face is that their leaders often lack the time – and in many cases the awareness – to carry out the extensive research necessary to implement robust cybersecurity governance measures aligned with their organization’s operational reality.” This lack of cybersecurity knowledge and the perceived complexities involved can leave non-profits vulnerable to attacks.
Furthermore, the reliance on third-party services and platforms to support digital operations has expanded the attack surface for non-profits. “While digitalizing their services, very few NGOs have developed their own products and platforms. Instead, most of them use third party services to assist them with the digital tools they require, while exposing them to a whole set of threats and vulnerabilities.” Cybercriminals can exploit these third-party connections to gain access to sensitive data and disrupt critical services.
The Devastating Impacts of Cyberattacks on Non-Profits
The consequences of successful cyberattacks on non-profit organizations can be devastating, both in the short and long-term. One of the most immediate and tangible impacts is the disruption of day-to-day operations. When a non-profit falls victim to a cyberattack, they may find themselves locked out of their own systems, unable to access vital data, and facing the daunting task of restoring operations.
“The downtime resulting from such disruptions can hinder program delivery, compromise project timelines, and erode the trust of stakeholders.” For example, in early 2020, a non-governmental organization (NGO) experienced a website defacement attack, which left them unable to communicate with partners and beneficiaries for nine months while they rebuilt their website from scratch.
The safety and privacy of the sensitive data that non-profits collect and store is another significant concern. Many non-profits manage extensive databases containing personally identifiable information (PII) and personal health information (PHI) of the vulnerable individuals they serve. A breach of this highly sensitive data can have devastating consequences, ranging from identity theft to the potential endangerment of individuals in vulnerable situations.
“According to the latest CyberPeace Analytical Report, 68% of nonprofits participating in the research have experienced a data breach in the past three years.” One high-profile example is the cyberattack on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in 2022, which exposed the personal information of more than 500,000 people seeking to reconnect with their families.
The financial impact of cyberattacks on non-profits can also be devastating, diverting valuable resources away from critical programs and services. Costs associated with incident response, system restoration, and potential legal fees or regulatory fines can severely strain already limited budgets. Moreover, the erosion of public trust and donor confidence following a successful attack can lead to decreased funding, further jeopardizing an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
“Cybercrime costs include damage and destruction of data, lost productivity, theft of intellectual property, theft of personal and financial data, embezzlement, fraud, post-attack disruption to the normal course of business, forensic investigation, restoration and deletion of hacked data and systems.” The Roots of Peace non-profit, for instance, was the victim of a CEO fraud scam in 2020, which resulted in the loss of $1.34 million, nearly forcing the organization to close its doors.
Strategies for Enhancing Non-Profit Cybersecurity
Recognizing the growing threats to the non-profit sector, it is clear that cybersecurity must be a top priority for these organizations. By implementing a comprehensive, multi-layered approach to cybersecurity, non-profits can significantly enhance their digital resilience and protect the individuals and communities they serve.
Assess and Understand Cybersecurity Risks
The first step in strengthening cybersecurity is to conduct a thorough assessment of the organization’s data and technology landscape. “The Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) suggests that the first step in assessing your nonprofit’s data risks is to take inventory of all the data your nonprofit collects and identify where it is stored.” This inventory should include an analysis of what sensitive information is being collected, how it is stored, and who has access to it.
Additionally, non-profits should leverage the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to identify and manage cybersecurity risks based on their unique operational environment and needs. By understanding the likelihood and potential impact of various threats, non-profits can make informed decisions to mitigate risks in a cost-effective manner.
Implement Robust Cybersecurity Measures
With a clear understanding of their cybersecurity risks, non-profits can then take proactive steps to strengthen their defenses. This includes:
- Enhancing Access Controls: Implement strong password policies, enable multi-factor authentication, and carefully manage user access privileges to critical systems and data.
- Regularly Updating Software and Systems: Ensure all software, operating systems, and third-party applications are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
- Backing Up Data and Practicing Incident Response: Regularly backup critical data and have a comprehensive incident response plan in place to quickly recover from a successful attack.
- Educating Employees: Provide ongoing cybersecurity training to all staff members, emphasizing best practices for data handling, recognizing phishing attempts, and responding to potential incidents.
- Leveraging Cybersecurity Expertise: Consider partnering with IT service providers or cybersecurity professionals who can assist in developing and implementing a robust security strategy tailored to the non-profit’s needs.
Seek Dedicated Cybersecurity Support and Funding
To overcome the challenges of limited resources and expertise, non-profits should explore avenues to obtain dedicated cybersecurity support and funding. This may include:
- Engaging with Non-Profit Support Organizations: Organizations like the CyberPeace Institute provide free cybersecurity assistance and resources to non-profits, helping them improve their digital resilience.
- Advocating for Cybersecurity Funding: Non-profits should work with their donors and grantmakers to emphasize the importance of allocating a portion of their funding towards cybersecurity initiatives, recognizing it as a critical investment in the organization’s long-term sustainability.
- Exploring Cybersecurity Insurance: Cyber liability insurance can help mitigate the financial impact of a successful cyberattack, covering expenses related to incident response, data restoration, and potential legal liabilities.
By taking a proactive and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, non-profit organizations can better protect their critical missions, safeguard the sensitive data of the vulnerable individuals they serve, and ensure the continuity of their essential services in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Conclusion: Prioritizing Cybersecurity for Non-Profit Resilience
In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is no longer an optional consideration for non-profit organizations – it is an imperative. The threats posed by cybercriminals to the non-profit sector are real, and the potential consequences can be devastating, both in the short and long-term. By recognizing cybersecurity as a fundamental enabler of their mission and investing in robust security measures, non-profits can protect the critical work they do and ensure the safety and privacy of the vulnerable individuals they serve.
The IT Fix team encourages all non-profit leaders to prioritize cybersecurity as a strategic priority, allocating the necessary resources and expertise to safeguard their digital assets and operations. By taking proactive steps to assess risks, implement security controls, and seek dedicated support, non-profits can enhance their digital resilience and continue to make a positive impact on communities in need, even in the face of evolving cyber threats.
