How to Strengthen Your Nonprofit’s Cybersecurity

ARTICLE | July 09, 2025

As we advance into the digital era, nonprofits face an escalating threat of cyberattacks jeopardizing sensitive data and critical infrastructure. Therefore, prioritizing cybersecurity has become not just an IT concern but a matter of public trust.

Nonprofits are confronted with distinct challenges when it comes to cybersecurity. This includes an aging IT infrastructure and budget constraints hindering investment in advanced cybersecurity tools. The shift to remote work and cloud-based services has further expanded potential entry points for cybercriminals.

Five Steps to Enhance Cybersecurity for Nonprofits

Given these challenges, it is imperative for organizations to adopt a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Here are five key steps that could help strengthen cybersecurity:

1. Regular Risk Assessments: Identifying vulnerabilities forms the crux of a strong defense strategy. Regular risk assessments can help spot weaknesses and prioritize security improvements.

2. Employee Training and Awareness: Since human error is a leading cause of cyber incidents, ongoing cybersecurity training for employees is crucial to reduce the risk of phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, and accidental data leaks.

3. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Strengthening access controls with MFA can provide an additional layer of security, making it more challenging for unauthorized users to breach systems.

4. Keep Software and Systems Updated: Regular software updates, vulnerability patching, and replacement of outdated technology are critical steps in fending off cyberattacks.

5. Develop an Incident Response Plan: A well-defined response plan can ensure that organizations can promptly contain and mitigate damage if a cybersecurity breach occurs.

Protecting data and infrastructure is a responsibility that extends beyond the IT department. It’s a matter of public trust and security. By investing in cybersecurity, organizations can ensure the safety, resilience, and integrity of their operations in the digital landscape.