The number of businesses and organisations that have been hacked by cyber-criminals and malicious hackers just keeps increasing.

Cyber-security experts are scrambling here and there to cover all vulnerable holes within a framework – considering no organisation is safe from hackers.

From healthcare to banks, retail and government agencies… all are constantly at risk.

NGO’s – Why Do They Attract Cyber-Criminals

One point of attraction hackers and cyber-criminals have towards non-profit organisations is the large volume of sensitive data handled every day. This includes client records, donor information, confidential emails, and numerous other transactions passing through the organisation.

Cyber security should be at the top of every organisation’s priority list but how concerned should non-profits be in the face of increasing cyber attacks and security threats? How can non-profit organisations ensure their sensitive data remains secure from malicious threats?

More importantly, how can donor confidence in non-profit organisations and their security framework be re-established?

By Upgrading All Computers

Many non-profits don’t realize the importance of installing the latest computer systems. Are you still using an old version of Windows XP? Fun Fact: Microsoft no longer supports Windows XP.

This means computer systems operating on outdated software are even more vulnerable when it comes to cyber attacks and hacking.

Focus On Strong Passwords

Do you use the same password for every social network and website that you access? This will just make it easier for hackers to steal important information considering cracking one password will lead to a domino effect.

Change your passwords, even a slight difference will ensure that information cannot be accessed by another person. Can’t remember complicated passwords? Copy and keep it in a secure location like your work related diary.

What makes a great password? According to web application security experts Lean Security, there are 6 different ways you can build a strong password. What is the best way to make a strong password?

Mix up different types of characters used normally to make a password like numbers, letters, and symbols. Don’t use words that can be found in the dictionary.

Assess and Identify Security Risks

Improving cyber-security for your non-profit organisation is a team effort and needs to include representatives from IT, legal and compliance, HR, accounting, finance and operations departments. Order of the day should be risk management – assessing risks by making inventory of the organisation’s systems and data.

The web security assessment team’s first task is to rank systems and data according to importance and sensitivity. Risk and damage from the following events should be considered for good risk management:

• Asset failure or loss
• Asset theft
• Exposure to unauthorised entry

You have a responsibility towards not just your donors but also the beneficiaries. Make sure cybercrimes don’t mar your credibility by focusing on improved security from internal and external forces. Get in touch with Lean Security for more information.