Nonprofits need IT security and communications software too

Nonprofit organizations do not follow a lot of the same rules as other businesses. They normally deal with grants, donations, and monies for other sources than themselves. Every nickel and dime has to be accounted for. Nonprofits have to make sure they can tell you which cause the money you donate will be helping.

With the need for technology in business, nonprofit organizations also need to protect themselves with the right IT Software. The problem is they might not have the budget to get state of the art network security and communications solutions. Nonprofits do have to follow regulation especially since they could be dealing with sensitive information like names and addresses. This could include all sorts of donor, employee, and contractor data.

IT software for Nonprofits

Very few nonprofits can afford their own IT department. All hands are on deck, and tech support is probably the most tech-savvy person in the office. However, they can use their status to their advantage. If you ask politely, some companies will give a nonprofit software for a discounted price. Sometimes even for free!

Secure sensitive information

Smaller nonprofits may work in a coworking space with multiple organizations and the same Wifi connection. It is essential to make sure that the network is just as secure as a larger company.

Nonprofits rely on their own devices to get through their daily routine. Since budgets are tight, a BYOD policy should be put in place to protect the network and sensitive data that is stored with the organization.

GFI WebMonitor keeps an eye on suspicious activity entering the network from the web. A malware attack can do a lot for the reputation of a company. With an attack, it is likely donors will lose the trust of the nonprofit and they will have to work harder to find other sources to fund their cause. Using a solution like GFI WebMonitor will scan downloads in real time with its two antivirus engines, prioritize bandwidth, and alert you of any suspicious activity.

Archiving data for compliance

As mentioned before, nonprofits have to report how they are spending their money. Much like government agencies, they are given a budget and have to justify where the dollars are going. Not only that but depending on the type of nonprofit, they are probably handling sensitive information. For example, the Ronald McDonald House has patients in an out of their facility on a regular basis. They need to know the child’s condition so they can accommodate them accordingly. Their 365 Ronald McDonald’s Houses served over 3 million children in 2016. That is a lot of personal information.

GFI Archiver is a great tool to create reports for donors and the remainder of the public. Everyone wants to see the good you’re doing in the world, so why not show them with numbers. GFI Archiver already has common reports for HIPAA, GDPR, SOX, and more ready to be used. The solution will aid in compliance and keep your business organized in case of an audit.

Keeping sensitive data private

It is always a good idea to train staff on procedures within any organization. Human error is one of the biggest causes of breaking compliance and putting information at risk. Meanwhile, IT software for nonprofits constantly scans digital communication to keep mistakes from happening like GFI EventsManager. What is great is both GFI EventsManager and GFI Archiver work well together to create reports when needed. The right software can read and block violations, track suspicious activity, and monitor all of the devices on your network.

Why would anyone hack a nonprofit business?

We know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone want to hurt an organization that is doing something good in the world? The reality is that hackers want to infiltrate a network that is not prepared for an attack. Nonprofits are likely victims because they do not have the staff or the budget to prepare adequately.

You are also wondering how a nonprofit is going to afford all of these solutions if we keep mentioning they have a tight budget. We have an answer.

GFI Unlimited is a full library of business-proven solutions which includes GFI EventsManager, GFI Archiver, GFI WebMonitor, and more. It is available for one low price per unit, making it affordable for even the tightest of budgets. The more you use, the more you save.

To find out more about GFI Unlimited, contact one of our partners today!

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