Non-profits often assume they're too small or under-the-radar to be targeted by cyberattacks. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses and non-profits, precisely because they tend to lack the resources and protection that larger organizations have. Even if your organization uses antivirus software and a firewall, you are not fully protected. This article explores the most common cybersecurity risks non-profits overlook, especially when it comes to protecting donor and mission-critical data — and how you can fix them.

Non-profits often assume they're too small or under-the-radar to be targeted by cyberattacks. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses and non-profits, precisely because they tend to lack the resources and protection that larger organizations have. Even if your organization uses antivirus software and a firewall, you are not fully protected. This article explores the most common cybersecurity risks non-profits overlook, especially when it comes to protecting donor and mission-critical data — and how you can fix them.

Use secure sharing protocols. Limit access based on roles and regularly audit who has access to your files and folders. Turn on link expiration, require two-factor authentication (2FA), and consider enterprise-grade document management tools if your team is growing.

It’s common for staff and volunteers to reuse passwords across multiple platforms or stick to easy-to-remember ones. Some even share passwords informally among team members. This opens the door to credential stuffing, unauthorized access, and phishing attacks.

Implement a strong password policy that enforces strong passwords on critical systems. Implement a password manager across the organization (e.g., Bitwarden, LastPass). Protect the password manager itself with 2FA. Enforce strong, unique passwords and 2FA on all critical systems, especially those storing donor data. Educate users about password hygiene and the risks of poor password management practices.

Volunteers are the backbone of many non-profits, but they often join with little or no cybersecurity training. They may access email accounts, donor databases, or cloud platforms without knowing how to spot a phishing email or secure their devices.

Provide volunteers with access to basic training modules — even a 30-minute session can drastically reduce risk. Make sure all users, even part-time or temporary ones, understand their responsibility to protect sensitive data.

If a breach happens tomorrow, who’s in charge? What data is at risk? What systems need to be shut down first? Without a clear plan, a small incident can escalate into a full-blown crisis.

Draft a simple incident response plan. Identify roles, key contacts, and priority actions. Practice simulated responses to prepare your team. Knowing who to call and what steps to take in the first 15 minutes can make a major difference.

Cybercriminals are using AI to craft smarter phishing emails, deepfake videos, and even mimic voices of executives to steal information or money. Non-profits may be particularly vulnerable because many operate on trust-based communication models.

Stay informed. Subscribe to cybersecurity briefings or attend monthly webinars — like the free one we host each month. Want a deep dive into how AI scams work? Download our eBook designed specifically for non-profits.

Donor data — names, emails, donation history, even credit card details — is gold for hackers. Many non-profits collect and store this data across multiple platforms without encryption or clear policies. Microsoft 365 users often store data in Excel files or Outlook without setting permissions or encryption.

Centralize donor data in a secure CRM system that supports encryption and role-based access. If you use Microsoft 365, configure Information Rights Management (IRM) to protect sensitive files, and train staff on setting document permissions. Make sure backups are encrypted and stored offsite.

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue — it’s a mission-critical priority. For non-profits, the stakes are high: donor trust, operational continuity, and the integrity of your cause. By addressing these often-overlooked vulnerabilities, you can dramatically reduce your risk and build a more resilient organization.