What is Manufacturing IT: How IT Powers Industry 4.0
July 2, 2025
non-profit organizations are not immune to cyber threats. In fact, their often-limited resources for cybersecurity make them lucrative targets for hackers.
At IT GOAT, we analyze the tactics used by cybercriminals to target nonprofits, examining real-world incidents where charities have been hacked. Understanding these threats and how to protect against them is vital for safeguarding your organization’s data and continuing your mission.
Learn from these lessons to build a strong defense and secure your nonprofit—visit our Nonprofit IT Support page to learn more.
Nonprofits face unique challenges in maintaining robust cybersecurity measures, with limited budgets and resources often being the biggest hurdle.
Limited Budgets: Many nonprofits, especially smaller ones, do not have the financial capacity to invest in sophisticated cybersecurity tools or professional services. Outdated systems and software, combined with minimal IT support, make these organizations easy targets.
Training Gaps: Nonprofits also rely on volunteers, many of whom lack comprehensive cybersecurity training. Without proper training, employees and volunteers can inadvertently become entry points for hackers through phishing scams or poor password practices.
With tight resources already stretched, nonprofits often struggle to prioritize cybersecurity. This makes it even more critical to allocate what funding is available toward basic security practices, such as training and system updates.
Nonprofits often rely on outdated systems and PCs, which make them especially vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly on the lookout for weak points in these old systems, exploiting them to access sensitive data such as:
Attackers use malware, phishing, and ransomware to infiltrate nonprofit systems, leading to devastating breaches. Nonprofits handling vast amounts of personal data are at significant risk, and these attacks can damage both their operations and their reputation.
Examples of Threats:
Without regularly updating systems and applying security patches, nonprofits remain vulnerable to these persistent and evolving threats.
Hackers increasingly view nonprofits as valuable data sources because they handle vast amounts of personal and financial information. This data can be sold on the black market or used to commit fraud. Nonprofits frequently store sensitive donor data, including:
Without robust data encryption and access control measures, hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in nonprofit systems, leading to widespread breaches.
Non-profit organizations are often targeted by cybercriminals due to their typically limited cybersecurity resources and outdated systems. These organizations handle valuable personal and financial data from donors, beneficiaries, and volunteers, which hackers can exploit for fraudulent activities or sell on the dark web. Additionally, the intricate supply chain connections of nonprofits with larger organizations make them a prime target as a potential entry point for more extensive cyber attacks.
Non-profit organizations frequently struggle with limited budgets allocated for digital security, which prevents investment in advanced cybersecurity tools and professional services. They often operate on outdated computer systems and rely heavily on volunteers who may lack adequate cybersecurity training. Moreover, nonprofit boards may not fully grasp the critical importance of cybersecurity, creating governance gaps that further exacerbate their vulnerabilities.
Cyberattacks on nonprofit organizations can have a devastating impact, not only financially but also in terms of trust and reputation. Stolen data may include sensitive information like donor details and financial records, which can undermine the trust of supporters. Operational disruptions caused by cyber incidents can severely affect the services nonprofits provide to their community, hindering their mission and fundraising capabilities.
Two notable incidents underscore the urgency for improved cybersecurity in nonprofits. The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington faced a cyberattack where hackers stole $7.5 million, illustrating the significant financial and reputational damage that can result. Similarly, the Save the Children Federation suffered a cyberattack leading to a fraudulent transfer of nearly $1 million, highlighting the need for enhanced cybersecurity protocols to protect valuable data and funds.
Nonprofits can take several proactive steps to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses:
1. Allocate Resources: Even with limited budgets, investing in modern cybersecurity solutions and services is critical.
2. Update Systems: Regularly update software and systems to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
3. Training: Provide cybersecurity training for board members, volunteers, and staff to prevent phishing scams and other threats.
4. Collaborate: Work with cybersecurity experts like IT GOAT to implement comprehensive security strategies tailored to their specific needs.
5. Governance: Develop a robust cybersecurity governance framework to ensure continuous oversight and responsiveness.
By taking these measures, nonprofits can protect their data, maintain the trust of their stakeholders, and ensure the continuity of their mission.
IT GOAT specializes in providing customized cybersecurity solutions for non-profit organizations. We offer expert guidance to identify vulnerabilities and implement robust security strategies that fit within the financial constraints of nonprofits. Our goal is to empower charities and NGOs to safeguard their mission-critical information, ensuring they can continue their valuable work without disruption. Whether through system updates, training programs, or tailored security protocols, IT GOAT is committed to fortifying the defenses of nonprofits against evolving cyber threats.
Many nonprofits represent causes that attract attention, making them targets for hackers motivated by financial gain or ideological reasons. Charities in healthcare, social services, and advocacy sectors are particularly at risk because they handle sensitive data that can be exploited or sold.
Hackers use nonprofits’ digital vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, and the consequences can be catastrophic for the organization. These breaches not only result in financial loss but also damage the reputation and trust nonprofits have built over the years.
To safeguard your nonprofit’s data and protect against future cyber threats, here are five critical cybersecurity practices that every nonprofit should implement:
In addition to basic security practices, nonprofits should consider these advanced measures to protect their systems:
Here are some real-world examples of nonprofits that suffered devastating cyberattacks:
Save the Children Foundation (2020):
In 2020, hackers fraudulently transferred nearly $1 million from Save the Children Foundation. The attack exposed weaknesses in the nonprofit’s financial systems, showing how hackers can exploit outdated systems.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (2021):
In 2021, this major nonprofit lost $7.5 million in a cyberattack. The hackers infiltrated their system through phishing and other malware schemes, showing how even large organizations with limited security can be at risk.
UNICEF Australia (2022):
Hackers breached UNICEF Australia in 2022, exposing the personal data of thousands of donors. This breach underscores how nonprofit organizations are prime targets for data theft due to their limited cybersecurity measures.
By learning from these real-world incidents and adopting proactive cybersecurity practices, your nonprofit can build a stronger defense against cybercriminals. At IT GOAT, we specialize in providing tailored cybersecurity solutions for nonprofit organizations. Our expertise can help safeguard your data, protect your reputation, and ensure your mission remains uninterrupted.
Contact IT GOAT today to learn how we can strengthen your nonprofit’s cybersecurity and help you continue your important work.
See the power of IT GOAT.
The world’s most advanced cybersecurity platform catered specifically to your business’ needs.
Keep up to date with our digest of trends & articles.
By subscribing, I agree to the use of my personal data in accordance with IT GOAT Privacy Policy. IT GOAT will not sell, trade, lease, or rent your personal data to third parties.
Mitigate All Types of Cyber Threats
Experience the full capabilities of our advanced cybersecurity platform through a scheduled demonstration. Discover how it can effectively protect your organization from cyber threats.
IT GOAT: Threat Intel & Cyber Analysis
We are experts in the field of cybersecurity, specializing in the identification and mitigation of advanced persistent threats, malware, and exploit development across all platforms.
Protect Your Business & Operations
Exceptional performance in the latest evaluations, achieving 100% prevention rate and providing comprehensive analytic coverage, unmatched visibility, and near-instant detection of threats.