Nonprofits are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals. Could your organization survive a breach?
This article breaks down key risks, real-world breaches, and practical steps nonprofits can take to protect their data, donors, and mission—without needing a full-time IT team.
Why Cybersecurity Matters for Nonprofits
Cyberattacks used to focus on large corporations, but today’s hackers are turning to “soft targets” like nonprofits. Why? Because many nonprofits collect sensitive data but lack the tools, staff, and funding to protect it effectively.
In 2025 alone:
- Over 32 million individuals were impacted by data breaches
- The average cost of a breach in the U.S. is $9.36 million
- 86% of breaches result from stolen or reused passwords
For nonprofits, the consequences go beyond dollars—they include reputational damage, donor distrust, and even the loss of critical funding.
Avoid Common Pitfalls in Nonprofit Cybersecurity
Before you can protect your organization, it’s important to recognize the most common missteps:
- Thinking “we’re too small to be targeted”
- Letting volunteers manage sensitive data without oversight
- Storing donor, medical, or participant records in unsecured systems
- Skipping MFA due to perceived complexity
- Lacking a written policy or staff training plan
Cybersecurity isn’t just about tech—it’s about people, processes, and protecting the heart of your mission.
Step 1: Know Your Vulnerabilities
Hackers don’t care if you’re mission-driven. They care about access to names, emails, credit card info, medical data, or program records. Common nonprofit vulnerabilities include:
- Outdated or unpatched systems
- Lack of staff training on phishing and scams
- Donor and beneficiary information stored insecurely
- Weak access controls for cloud and shared files
- Overreliance on volunteers without cybersecurity training
Recent breaches show what’s at stake:
- Biotech research nonprofit: 7 million genetic profiles leaked due to poor device security
- National aid organization: 120,000 donor records exposed from a shared cloud folder
- State transportation partner nonprofit: Sensitive crash data compromised in ransomware attack
Step 2: Build a Cybersecurity Foundation That Fits Your Budget
You don’t need enterprise-level resources to protect your organization. Start with these low-cost, high-impact practices.
Cybersecurity Essentials for Nonprofits
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Avoid reuse across systems. Use a password manager.
- Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Especially for grant portals, donor systems, and cloud tools.
- Train Staff and Volunteers: Host short awareness sessions about phishing and scams.
- Secure Shared Documents: Check cloud settings and limit file access based on roles.
- Audit Your Exposure: Visit HaveIBeenPwned.com monthly to see if staff or board email addresses have been breached.
- Protect Smart Devices: Use secure networks and disable unused features on routers or office tech.
Quick Wins You Can Implement Immediately
- Enable MFA for staff email and banking systems
- Create a basic cybersecurity policy (and share it with staff and volunteers)
- Use a shared password manager for organizational logins
- Schedule software updates on all devices
- Set up guest Wi-Fi for visitors or community participants
- Bookmark official login pages to avoid phishing traps
Home & Hybrid Work Checklist
With hybrid work here to stay, nonprofit staff often handle sensitive info from home. Here’s how to keep things secure:
- Change default passwords on routers and smart devices
- Place work devices on separate networks from personal ones
- Disable remote access unless absolutely necessary
- Check for firmware updates from device manufacturers regularly
What Success Looks Like
Strong cybersecurity means more than preventing data loss. It means protecting your stakeholders, maintaining donor confidence, and ensuring uninterrupted program delivery.
A proactive strategy earns funder trust, meets compliance expectations, and gives your team confidence in a digital world.
Need Help Making Cybersecurity Doable?
Whether you’re just getting started or trying to train your board and staff, we can help.
We specialize in helping nonprofits implement simple, practical cybersecurity solutions that fit their capacity and budget. Let’s strengthen your digital defenses—so you can stay focused on your impact.
