10 Steps to Bolster Your Nonprofit's Cybersecurity Posture

Cybersecurity is a critical concern for organizations of all sizes, including nonprofits. As cyber threats evolve, it's essential to take proactive measures to safeguard your organization's valuable data and resources. Here are practical tips to help your nonprofit strengthen its cybersecurity posture:

• Develop a cybersecurity policy: Establish clear guidelines for staff and volunteers using devices, software, and networks. This policy should cover password management, data handling, and incident reporting.
• Conduct regular cybersecurity training: Educate your staff and volunteers on the latest threats, such as phishing and ransomware, and train them to recognize and respond to potential cyber-attacks.
• Keep software updated: Regularly update all software and operating systems with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Implement strong password practices: Encourage using unique, complex passwords for each account and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for added security. 
• Limit access to sensitive information: Grant access to sensitive data only to those who require it for their job responsibilities and ensure that access is revoked promptly when no longer needed.
• Regularly back up data: Create regular backups of critical data and store them securely, both on-site and off-site, to facilitate recovery in the event of a cyber-attack or data loss.
• Secure your network: Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security tools to monitor and protect your network from unauthorized access.
• Encrypt sensitive data: Encrypt sensitive data both in transit and at rest to protect it from unauthorized access and potential breaches.
• Establish an incident response plan: Develop a clear plan for responding to cybersecurity incidents, including roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containing and mitigating the damage.
• Perform regular security audits: Conduct periodic assessments of your organization's cybersecurity posture to identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.

At STRATA9, a minority, woman-owned, and Small Business Administration (SBA) certified HUBZone firm, we understand the importance of cybersecurity for nonprofit organizations. We're here to assist you with conducting annual assessments, investigating concerns, and deploying penetration tests to ensure your organization remains secure in today's rapidly changing digital landscape.  

Contact ToniBecerra@strata9.com to set up a confidential consultation for your organization. We work with CEOs, Executive Directors, Boards, and Trustees.