Cybersecurity is a critical concern for all organizations. When you hear about cyberattacks on the news, it’s usually about large organizations that have been hacked. Unfortunately, you don’t need to be a Fortune 500 company to be in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. For non-profits in Maryland, cybersecurity is a real threat.
These organizations face unique challenges, from limited budgets to specific compliance requirements. Yet, the threat of cyberattacks is ever-present and growing.
The Importance of Cybersecurity for Nonprofits
Non-profit organizations handle sensitive data. This includes donor information, financial records, and personal details of beneficiaries. Many non-profits also work with for-profit organizations, as well as individuals throughout the local community. No matter what your organization does, it likely has a lot of really important, sensitive information. Protecting this data is not just a legal obligation, but a matter of trust.
Cyberthreats are on the rise, and nonprofits are not immune. A single data breach can damage your organization's reputation and erode donor trust. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have cash in the register, cybercriminals will find value in the data that you hold. They will be willing to disrupt your organization in the hopes of receiving some sort of ransom payment or clout, there could be political motivations, or they could do it simply to cause chaos.
In essence, cybersecurity is not a luxury for non-profits. It's a necessity to ensure the organization's survival and continued service to the community.
Unique Cybersecurity Challenges for Maryland Nonprofits
Nonprofits in Maryland face unique cybersecurity challenges. Limited budgets often mean less investment in IT security. This makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Moreover, non-profits may lack the technical expertise to implement robust cybersecurity measures. They may not fully understand the risks or how to mitigate them, or not have the budget to hire help when a cybersecurity emergency occurs.
Despite these challenges, cybersecurity is not an insurmountable hurdle. With the right approach and resources, nonprofits can protect their data effectively.
Compliance and 501(c)(3) Organizations
Compliance is a critical aspect of cybersecurity for non-profits. In Maryland, 501(c)(3) organizations must adhere to specific regulations to protect donor and beneficiary data.
Non-compliance can result in penalties and damage to the organization's reputation. Therefore, understanding and meeting compliance requirements is crucial.
However, compliance should not be seen as a burden. Instead, it's an opportunity to improve data security and build trust with stakeholders.
Cyberthreats and Their Impact on Nonprofits
Cyberthreats pose a significant risk to nonprofits in Maryland. Data breaches can lead to loss of sensitive information, financial loss, and damage to the organization's reputation.
Moreover, cyberattacks can disrupt operations, affecting the non-profit's ability to serve its beneficiaries. This can erode trust with donors and stakeholders.
In the last year, 59 percent of all organizations in the US were hit with some form of ransomware. The average ransom in 2024 is a whopping $2.73 million. This number continues to rise each year as cybercriminals get more and more aggressive. On top of that, so many organizations and businesses actually pay the ransom because they don’t have the infrastructure in place to mitigate it, which just feeds the beast.
Preventing Common Cyberattacks
Preventing cyberattacks requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes implementing technical measures, such as firewalls and encryption, to protect data. Putting together a comprehensive cybersecurity plan will go a long way to prevent expensive issues.
Equally important is the role of employee training. Many cyberattacks exploit human error, so educating staff about common threats like phishing and ransomware is vital. For instance, offering guidance and training on spotting phishing attacks, like our free phishing guide, can help prevent issues that sneak around your IT defenses.
Lastly, nonprofits should have an incident response plan in place. This ensures they can respond effectively to a cyberattack, minimizing its impact.
Let’s Protect Your Organization
We’ve been providing cybersecurity (and physical security) to businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Maryland for over 20 years. Our passion is allowing organizations to operate and flourish without letting technological obstacles get in the way. Reach out to us at (410) 531-6727 to talk about your nonprofit’s cybersecurity.
