While most leading organizations take steps to maintain the security and privacy of their clients, nonprofits sometimes neglect to take appropriate security steps. This is unfortunate because a data breach can be disastrous for a nonprofit.
A cybersecurity breach could severely damage a nonprofit’s reputation in the age of spyware, ransomware, and other online attacks. In addition, it may lead to costly legal concerns. Thankfully, just a few small steps can significantly improve a nonprofit’s data security.
Use Secure Operating Tools
Secure operating software is an excellent first step in preventing data breaches. For example, the best case management software for nonprofits is not only packed with useful features like event management, online web forms, donations and fundraising tools, but it also prioritizes secure data management with a cloud-based CRM that’s hosted on Amazon Web Services.
Amazon Web Services, of course, is one of the most secure digital environments for data. And cloud-based CRMs are less vulnerable than CRMs with locally stored data to hacks.
In addition, this software strictly follows PIPEDA and HIPAA guidelines for security and privacy compliance in North America.
Keep Your Software Updated
Besides utilizing secure operating tools, your organization should update them regularly to plug any flaws that threat actors may exploit to steal data. If you’re using outdated software that the publisher no longer supports, consider updating to tools that are the manufacturer still stands behind.
Pick a Secure CRM
Select a secure CRM that allows you to customize access on a need-to-know basis. For example, no one should be able to see your donor’s sensitive information like their name, address, and phone numbers aside from people who need to know.
Please also use a complex password for your CRM tools. A long password that carries uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols is a good idea. You can use a password manager to help you keep track of passwords.
Download Intelligent Cybersecurity Programs
To protect your client data from malicious software that copies, hijacks, or corrupts data, download intelligence antivirus software that proactively uses machine learning to stop malware. Please also invest in automatic backup utilities to reverse changes after a malware attack.
Secure Local Network
Ensure that a firewall guards your office and home computers. A firewall is a network barrier that polices traffic, stopping malicious traffic from invading your network. In addition to a firewall, set a strong password for your WiFi and your router to prevent bad actors from bypassing your network security.
Secure Public WiFi
Using an unsecured network can lead to various problems for your data. A hacker can breach an unsecured WiFi network and try to steal data. A spoofed WiFi network that looks real is also a common trap for travelers.
You and your team should use a corporate VPN (Virtual Private Network) service to secure public WiFi networks when working on the go. A VPN basically connects you through an encrypted tunnel to the Internet. With today’s VPN technology, a good VPN’s data encryption is almost impossible to crack.
Nonprofit data security is essential to your organization’s operations and its standing. Invest inC the most secure nonprofit management software to avoid data theft.
