Why You Should Start With Cyber Security Awareness Training
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, cyber security should be highly prioritized if your nonprofit does any of the following:
Conducts e-commerce on its website, such as processing donations or event registrations.
Stores and transfers (such as by sending to the cloud) “personally identifiable information,” about anyone, including donors (Common examples of personally identifiable information include: clients’ medical information; employee records, including drivers’ licenses, addresses, and social security numbers).
Collects information on preferences and habits of donors, patrons, newsletter subscribers, etc.
Most, if not all nonprofits, and even for-profit companies, fall into one of these categories and yet there are still so many organizations that are left severely under protected.
When looking into reasons why so many nonprofits are without proper security measures- Not feeling that cyber security is necessary, Not knowing what type of security to look into and Not having enough budget, are among the most popular answers.
Why Cyber Security is Necessary
Cyber threats are rising at an alarming rate thanks to the high profitability of thriving sales on the Dark Web and the ever-increasing rate of ransomware payouts, and yet organizations are still in disbelief that cyber security is necessary. It’s time to think again:
Hackers are after data: If your organization has data/personally identifiable information/employee data/financial data/etc. stored on your network, then your organization is being targeted.
Size & industry don’t matter: Many nonprofits have a misbelief that they’re too small or hidden behind government, financial companies, and for-profits. Cyber criminals understand that like small businesses, many nonprofits likely assume, they have no room in their budget and forego proper security measures.
Ending your Mission: Any data can be sold on the Dark Web but sometimes a hacker’s aim is to publicize the breach, ending the nonprofit’s mission with mistrust from donors and compliance issues.
Start with Cyber Security Awareness Training
Often there is a lack of knowledge and technical expertise to fall back on when deciding what type of cyber security non-profits should invest in. Staff and volunteers can be too busy and without a subject expert to guide them. Therefore, finding a starting point can be confusing and cyber security simply gets swept under the rug.
When it comes to assessing vulnerabilities and figuring out where to bolster defenses, it’s a wise decision for most organizations to start with cyber security awareness training. Consider the following:
90% of data breaches are due to human error: No matter how many layers of security and advanced technology you apply to your defenses it only takes one person to- Fall for a phishing attack, Send an email to the wrong person, or Click on a malware laden link.
Mobile risks: Remote employees and cloud accessible data continue to trend for nonprofits, meaning more personal devices are putting sensitive data at risk. Threats of Lost/stolen devices, Insecure public Wi-Fi connections, Unencrypted emails, Poor password hygiene, and Other security risks can be mitigated with proper training and awareness.
Collective effort: It just takes one person to become the weak link and compromise the entire network. Just as much as training is needed in other areas, so too is it needed in cyber security.
According to an NTEN report, 59.2% of respondents do not provide any cyber security training to staff on a regular basis.
From executives to volunteers, bad actors target people as the number one vulnerability which is why human error plays such a big part in data breaches. Starting with proper cyber security awareness training helps to isolate and focus on an enormous part of every company’s most exploited and weakest area.
Low Cost, High Impact Solutions
Stretching resources is a major objective for most nonprofits and starting with cyber security awareness training can be as impactful as it gets. Professionally pre-made content for awareness training programs take the time consuming legwork out of the equation; pre-made programs can also be implemented immediately. Cyber security awareness training is also an on-going effort so team members will always be up-to-date with the most current trends to be aware of, whereas some solutions like software running in the background don’t encourage vigilance, and can be thought of as out-of-sight-out-of-mind.
Rather than a cost or expense, cyber security can be seen as an investment in what nonprofits rely on most, people.
A happier Solution: Cyber Security Awareness Training
happier IT Cyber Security Awareness Training provides nonprofits with an affordable and effective way reduce cyber security risk by up to 70%.
Add layers to your SMB/Non-profit Organization’s cyber security with behavioral machine-learning AI and superior threat detection and response.
Security
Simulated phishing emails can be sent to staff, tracking opens and submission of information.
Monitor program effectiveness with campaign tracking results.
Simplicity
Automated training with pre-set course material allows you to be hands-off in the training process.
Scalability
Scalable to fit your organization’s needs and fits even the smallest monthly budgets.
Want to Watch our Cyber Security Awareness Training in Action?
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For clients thinking about adding Cyber Security Awareness Training to your organization, contact us and we will put you in touch with your vCIO - support@happierIT.com
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