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15

Dec
  • By Team Cyber Ops

Empowering Our Nonprofits: Cybersecurity Matters Even for Nonprofits!

Contrary to common belief, Small and Medium Businesses (SMBs) and nonprofit organizations are not immune to cybersecurity threats. The 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) emphasizes this reality, revealing that businesses of any size, whether small, medium, or large, are vulnerable to cyber threats. Despite adopting similar technologies, the crucial difference lies in the ability to respond to these threats. Larger organizations, often equipped with more resources, can mount robust responses to cyber incidents, setting them apart from their smaller counterparts. This discrepancy leaves SMBs, including nonprofits, as potential targets for cyber attacks. 

As an MSP, our role in guiding and strengthening these organizations becomes essential. This blog post explores the pressing need for MSPs to champion cybersecurity investments for all SMBs, particularly nonprofits. In the realm of Cybersecurity, small to medium-sized nonprofit organizations often find themselves at the crossroads of vulnerability. Due to grant dependencies and a lack of funding, safeguarding their valuable data and mission-critical operations becomes not just advisable but imperative. 

Recognizing the Risks 

Some nonprofits underestimate their allure to cybercriminals. Many of these organizations possess a valuable collection of information (Donor, Volunteer, Client, Employee, Event Participant, Grant and Funding, Board and Governance), rendering them attractive targets for potential attacks. According to a survey conducted by the Nonprofit Hub with 467 participating nonprofits, a concerning 90 percent admitted to actively collecting data. More alarming is that 49 percent acknowledged they either don't know or are unsure about all the ways their organization collects data. This statistic is not just concerning; it's potentially dangerous. 

As any robust Cybersecurity framework would underscore, data is an asset, and safeguarding it is important. In fact, nonprofits can take a proactive approach by reviewing the CIS Critical Controls, beginning with the implementation of: 

Critical Control 1: Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets 

Critical Control 2: Inventory and Control of Software Assets 

Critical Control 3: Data Protection 

As an MSP, our responsibility is to dispel the myth of immunity for businesses of any size and guide them towards a path of robust Cybersecurity. At Cyber Op Source, Cybersecurity isn't a standalone service—it's integrated into every facet of our operations and the services we provide. 

Financial Implications  

Drawing insights from the Connectwise Cyber Research Unit (CRU) 2023 MSP THREAT report their analysis of 2300 ransomware incidents in 2022, the financial toll of recovering from an attack was substantial. Nonprofits must proactively invest in cybersecurity measures to mitigate the impact of potential breaches.  

Trust as a Currency  

"At the core of any successful nonprofit organization lies trust and credibility" -RBW Strategy, LLC 

Trust is the lifeblood of nonprofits. A data breach can fracture this trust, causing donors and partners to lose confidence. As an MSP, we play a pivotal role in preventing breaches and preserving and restoring this trust.  

Legal Imperatives  

With data protection regulations tightening, non-compliance poses legal and regulatory risks. As an MSP, we must help guide nonprofits through the complex landscape, ensuring compliance and shielding them from potential penalties.  

 

Building Cybersecurity Resilience  

After reviewing the 2023 DBIR report we put together some simple things nonprofits can do to protect themselves.  

Tools of the Trade  

  • Access Controls and Multi-Factor Authentication: Nonprofits can implement robust access controls, including multi-factor authentication, to fortify their defenses.  
  • Proactive Software Management: Regular updates and deployment of reputable antivirus solutions are integral components of a nonprofit arsenal against evolving cyber threats.  
  • User Education: Nonprofits can conduct targeted training sessions to educate staff on recognizing and preventing phishing, ransomware, and social engineering attempts.  
  • Securing Remote Work: Remote work is everywhere, and nonprofits can ensure secure network connections and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) for safeguarding data in transit.  

Cybersecurity Advocates  

  • Vigilance and Reporting: Beyond technology, fostering a culture of vigilance is essential. Encourage nonprofit staff to report any suspicious activities promptly.  
  • Continuous Training: As mentioned previously, nonprofits can provide ongoing cybersecurity training to keep their teams up-to-date on evolving threats and equip them with the knowledge to navigate the digital landscape securely.  
  • Collective Responsibility: Leslie Weinstein once said, "Cybersecurity is everybody in every company's responsibility, not just the people writing the code. Because our whole world is on cyber, everything the company does is probably on a computer somewhere. So, one weak link can be the downfall for everybody." At Cyber Op Source, we strongly believe in this quote. Cybersecurity is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders within the organization. From leadership to volunteers, everyone contributes to the robust cybersecurity posture.  

Finally, this blog emphasizes our job as MSPs and our critical role in helping nonprofit organizations fight against cyber threats. By actively championing cybersecurity investments, MSPs can empower nonprofits to focus on their mission without compromising the security of their digital infrastructure. 

 

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