Cybersecurity Must-Haves for Nonprofits: How to Build Resilience & Trust

Why Nonprofits Are High-Value Targets

Nonprofits and mission-driven organizations play a critical role in communities—but they’re also increasingly targeted by cybercriminals. Why? Because many nonprofits manage sensitive donor, financial, and employee data but often lack the resources of larger enterprises to defend against evolving threats.

According to Gartner, organizations without a strong cybersecurity posture face disproportionately higher risks from credential theft, phishing, and ransomware—threats that can damage both operations and community trust  (Gartner).

For nonprofits in Indiana and across the Midwest, cybersecurity is no longer optional. It’s foundational to both mission delivery and donor confidence.

The Biggest Cyber Risks Nonprofits Face

  1. Phishing Attacks
    With limited training resources, staff at nonprofits are especially vulnerable to email scams and credential theft.
  2. Ransomware
    Attackers know nonprofits often have limited backup and disaster recovery measures, making them prime ransomware targets.
  3. Weak Access Controls
    Shared logins, outdated passwords, and unsecured remote access leave doors wide open for attackers.
  4. Compliance Gaps
    Nonprofits managing sensitive donor or health-related data may face regulatory exposure without even realizing it.

Cybersecurity Must-Haves for Nonprofits

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Solutions like our partner, Duo Security add a critical layer of protection to logins, preventing unauthorized access even if credentials are stolen.

2. Managed Detection & Response

Providers such as our partner, Arctic Wolf offer 24/7 monitoring and rapid response, giving nonprofits enterprise-grade defense at a fraction of the cost.

3. Security Awareness Training

Equipping staff and volunteers with knowledge to spot phishing attempts and suspicious activity is one of the most cost-effective defenses.

4. Data Backup & Recovery

Ensuring regular backups and a tested recovery plan protects operations from ransomware disruptions.

How AIS Helps Nonprofits Build Cyber Resilience

AIS LLP partners with nonprofits, unions, and mission-driven organizations across Indiana and the Midwest to deliver scalable, affordable cybersecurity solutions. Our approach includes:

Developing a Tailored Security Plan: Aligning recommendations with your nonprofit’s needs, budget, and mission priorities.

Implementing the Right Technologies, Tools, and Processes: Ensuring your organization has the protections in place that fit your situation and scale.

Providing Training Programs: Empowering your team to recognize and stop common attacks before they become incidents.

Ensuring Compliance: Meeting donor, regulatory, and data protection requirements with confidence.

With AIS, nonprofits gain both peace of mind and a trusted IT partner invested in your mission.

Protecting Mission and Trust

Your nonprofit’s work is too important to be left vulnerable to cyber threats. By implementing these must-haves, you protect not only your data, but also the trust of the donors, staff, and communities who depend on you.

Ready to secure your nonprofit’s mission with enterprise-grade protection?
Schedule a complimentary cybersecurity assessment with AIS and let’s build a resilience strategy tailored to your organization.

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