In today’s digital landscape, charities face an increasing threat from cyber attacks. Recent statistics show that 32% of UK charities experienced some form of cyber security breach in 2023, with this number rising to 66% among larger charities. As trusted custodians of sensitive donor and beneficiary data, charities must take proactive steps to protect their digital assets and maintain public trust.
The Unique Cyber Security Challenges for Charities
Charities often face distinct cyber security challenges due to their nature and limited resources:
-
Data Sensitivity: Charities handle large volumes of personal information, making them prime targets for cybercriminals
-
Limited Resources: With tight budgets, many charities struggle to implement comprehensive cyber security measures
-
Attractive Targets: The sector is often seen as a “soft target” by cybercriminals, particularly for ransomware attacks
-
Phishing Vulnerability: Phishing attempts are the most common type of cyber-enabled fraud experienced by charities
Key Steps for Charities to Enhance Cyber Security
-
Conduct Regular Cyber Security Audits: Partner with experienced IT professionals to perform comprehensive assessments of your systems.
-
Implement Strong Data Protection Measures: Use robust data encryption and access controls to safeguard sensitive information.
-
Provide Cybersecurity Training: Educate staff and volunteers about recognizing phishing attempts and other cyber threats.
-
Keep Systems Updated: Regularly update and patch software to protect against known vulnerabilities.
-
Develop Incident Response Plans: Create and regularly test plans for responding to potential cyber attacks.
Gallery Partnership offers comprehensive cybersecurity solutions tailored specifically for charities and non-profit organisations. Our clients benefit from a holistic approach to cybersecurity that not only protects their valuable data and assets but also ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR.
Have a chat with one of our friendly team to find out more.
