Should charities be concerned about cyber security?

Charities are the unsung heroes of our society, tirelessly working to make the world a better place. These organisations tackle issues ranging from poverty and disease to environmental conservation and education.

However, in today’s digitally connected world, charities face a new, invisible adversary: cyber threats. Unfortunately, charities are not immune to cyberattacks and are simply another target for would-be criminals. At Hubtel IT, we deploy meaningful cyber security actions to safeguard charities from online threats.

Protecting Sensitive Data

Donor information, financial material, and employee records are all sensitive information that requires stringent protection measures.

Without robust cyber security measures in place, this invaluable data is at risk of being stolen, exploited, or compromised.

Maintaining Donor Trust

Donors are the backbone of charities. People, trustees, and businesses donate their hard-earned money to support a cause they believe in. Charities must maintain the trust of their donors by ensuring their financial transactions and personal information are kept safe.

A cyberattack can erode donor confidence and potentially discourage them from pledging future support.

Preventing Fraud

Charities can deal with large sums of money, and this can make them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking financial gain.

Hubtel IT’s cyber security protocols help charities to detect and prevent fraudulent activities, safeguarding their financial resources. With Hubtel IT on-side, charities can properly allocate their funds to their mission instead of costly recovery efforts.

Reputation Management

One of the most valuable assets of any charity is its reputation.

A successful cyberattack can tarnish reputations. Data breaches or other cyber security incidents can lead to a loss of trust, making it difficult for the charity to continue its fundraising. Hubtel IT’s robust cyber security measures can help prevent any damaging incidents.

Compliance with Regulations

Charities are often subject to various legal and regulatory requirements regarding the handling and protection of sensitive data.

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to consequences, potentially even fines and legal action.

A strong cyber security framework ensures that charities remain compliant with these regulations.

Protecting Beneficiaries

Charities serve those in need. Cyber security breaches can compromise the data and services provided, potentially putting them at risk.

Protecting the data and systems that enable charities to help their beneficiaries is a moral and ethical imperative.

Ensuring Operational Continuity

Charities simply cannot afford downtime, especially when they’re providing essential services.

Cyber attacks can disrupt operations, causing chaos and potentially affecting the people they serve. Hubtel IT support charities with proper cyber security planning and resilience measures to ensure that they can continue to function – even in the face of cyber threats.

In an increasingly digital world, cyber security is not a luxury but a necessity for charities. The importance of safeguarding sensitive data, maintaining donor trust, preventing fraud, managing reputation, complying with regulations, protecting beneficiaries, and ensuring operational continuity cannot be overstated.

One of the best ways for charities to protect themselves against the growing threat of sophisticated cyber crime is to become Cyber Essentials accredited. Under this scheme, which is backed by the UK government, charities are annually assessed against 5 areas of cyber security. Once they can demonstrate compliance in these areas, they are awarded the very credible Cyber Essentials accreditation. This serves to give all stakeholders peace of mind that cyber security is at the forefront of their operations.

Click here to read our case study on getting Black Country Women’s Aid Cyber Essentials Accredited.

Hubtel IT take cyber security seriously to continue their missions without interruption. In doing so, they can maximise the positive impact they have while safeguarding their own integrity and longevity.

If you would like more information on certifying your charity to the Cyber Essentials standard, give Hubtel IT a call on 01675 466637, email enquiries@hubtelit.co.uk or for more information, click here.