It’s Your Duty To Protect Sensitive Data
Ensuring robust nonprofit data security is critical to safeguarding your stakeholders and your nonprofit’s mission. Let’s explore how to protect privacy and reduce risks effectively.
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Assess Your Nonprofit Data Security Practices
Your nonprofit handles sensitive data — from donor financial details to client medical records — that must be protected. Risks like cyberattacks or internal misuse can lead to lawsuits, fines, and reputational harm. Start with a thorough review involving HR and IT to identify vulnerabilities. Are you storing outdated sensitive data? Is access to confidential records restricted? Do you securely dispose of physical and digital data? These questions help pinpoint gaps in your nonprofit data security strategy.
Strengthen Safeguards For Sensitive Data
Robust nonprofit data security begins with proactive measures. Use HTTPS and SSL/TLS encryption to secure sensitive data during collection, storage, and transfer. Install and regularly update cybersecurity software, and train staff to recognize phishing scams. Collect only essential sensitive data — disable unnecessary tracking on apps and use anonymized data when possible. Clearly disclose data practices and offer opt-out options to maintain transparency with stakeholders.
Implement Policies To Protect Nonprofit Data Security
Establish a data retention policy, keeping sensitive data only as long as needed, per the AICPA’s Privacy Management Framework. Shred paper records and wipe digital files securely. Create a donor privacy policy, prominently displayed on your website, stating you won’t share sensitive data without consent, and provide an easy opt-out. Depending on your mission, consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with laws like HIPAA for healthcare nonprofits.
Mitigate Risks & Build Trust
Failing to secure sensitive data can lead to costly fines, litigation, and loss of donor trust. Strong nonprofit data security practices not only reduce these risks but also demonstrate your commitment to privacy, fostering goodwill. Our nonprofit services team is here to help. Contact us to enhance your data protection strategies and keep your mission on track.
Seeking more great insight about nonprofit data security tactics? Check out these resources:
Put Your Nonprofit’s Cybersecurity System To The ‘Pen’ Test
