According to the UK government cyber breaches survey 2024, 30% of charities have experienced a cyber breach in the last 12 months. Charities handle sensitive data such as personal details of donors, financial transactions, and volunteer information, making them a prime target for cyber criminals. While many charities focus on delivering vital services to their communities, cyber threats often fly under the radar, leaving these organisations vulnerable.
In this blog, we’ll explore the cyber risks charities face and how Cyber Essentials certification can shield them from the worst of these attacks.
The Unique Cyber Threat Landscape for Charities
Unfortunately, charities are often viewed as soft targets by cyber criminals. Limited budgets, outdated technology, and a focus on their core mission often mean cyber security isn’t a priority, leaving gaps for attackers to exploit. Below are some of the most common threats charities face:
- Phishing Attacks: Phishing is a major threat to charities, where attackers disguise themselves as legitimate contacts to trick staff into clicking malicious links or revealing sensitive information. A simple email with a compromised link can grant attackers access to systems, leading to data breaches or financial loss. In fact, phishing is by far the most common type of breach or attack, with 83% of charities reporting phishing based scams in the last 12 months.
- Ransomware: Ransomware attacks can cripple a charity’s operations by locking them out of critical systems until a ransom is paid. For smaller charities, the cost of recovery can be devastating, both financially and reputationally.
- Data Breaches: Charities hold valuable data—personal information on donors, employees, and service users. Without robust cyber security measures, this data is vulnerable to breaches, leading to compliance issues with regulations like GDPR, and more critically, a loss of trust from the public.
- Third-Party Risks: Charities often rely on third-party providers for fundraising platforms, accounting software, or volunteer management systems. A breach in one of these systems could expose the charity’s sensitive data, even if the charity itself wasn’t the direct target.
- Social Engineering: Staff and volunteers at charities may not be as familiar with the nuances of cyber risks as employees at large corporations. Attackers can exploit this, using social engineering tactics to manipulate individuals into giving away confidential information or access to systems.
The Consequences of Cyber Attacks on Charities
When a charity falls victim to a cyber attack, the consequences are far-reaching:
- Financial Loss: A ransomware attack or fraud could drain the charity’s funds, leaving less available for its core mission.
- Reputation Damage: A data breach or cyber incident can severely damage the public’s trust in a charity. Donors may be hesitant to give to an organisation perceived as insecure.
- Operational Disruption: Charities rely on technology to manage operations, fundraising, and service delivery. A successful cyber attack could grind these processes to a halt, preventing the charity from carrying out its vital work.
The Role of Cyber Essentials in Protecting Charities
Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed scheme designed to help organisations defend themselves against the most common cyber threats. For charities, obtaining Cyber Essentials certification can be a game-changer, providing a practical, affordable way to boost cyber security.
At Consider IT, we specialise in guiding charities through the Cyber Essentials certification process. As an IASME Certifying Body, we can help ensure your charity meets the necessary cyber security standards, while also making the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
How Cyber Essentials Helps Charities:
- Basic Security Controls: Cyber Essentials requires charities to implement basic security measures like strong passwords, updated software, firewalls, and access controls. These might seem simple, but they can prevent around 80% of common cyber attacks.
- Compliance and Trust: Many funding bodies and grant providers now expect charities to have Cyber Essentials certification. It not only provides peace of mind for donors and stakeholders but also ensures compliance with UK regulations like GDPR.
- Affordable Protection: We understand that many charities operate on tight budgets. Cyber Essentials provides a cost-effective solution to improve your cybersecurity posture without needing large financial investment.
The Next Step in Protecting Your Charity
Throughout October, we’re offering discounted Cyber Essentials certification to charities of all sizes. Get more information and apply today here.
Cyber threats are not going away, but with the right guidance and security measures in place, your charity can operate confidently in the midst of increasing threats. At Consider IT, we are not just an IT services provider—we’re a trusted partner in your cyber security journey.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about Cyber Essentials certification and how we can help your charity become more resilient against cyber threats. Let us handle the technical aspects, so you can continue focusing on what matters—making a difference in the community.
