Shield Your Nonprofit: How to Tackle Ransomware Attacks

Set against the backdrop of accelerated growth of technology over the past several decades, notwithstanding large organizations, nonprofits as well have become overly reliant on technology for their day-to-day operations. New data shows that this reliance often presents opportunities for cyber criminals to launch discreet or direct attacks, leading to one of the most threatening scenarios: a ransomware attack. 

In recent years, there has been a significant uptick in ransomware attacks, in which malicious software or a hacker encrypts or locks down critical files. Post that, they demand huge payments to let users get back their files and access to their systems. These types of attacks can happen anywhere — and at any time of the day — often to the surprise and shock of users. Further, tracking the source of such attacks is often difficult, exacerbating a highly critical situation. The attackers have the potential to slam the brakes on the engine of any large business — and nonprofits aren’t much further away from becoming a victim in such cases — and this can often lead to their shutdown.

For many nonprofits, trust is often the most common currency that they have. Donors expect that their personal information and financial transactions are encrypted and that they are in safe hands. Hence, it is the need of the hour for nonprofits to protect themselves against the threat of such widespread and deadly attacks. Some nonprofits might argue that they have a limited budget and technical know-how to tackle such incidents at scale; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. All it takes is a planned approach — with the right strategy — to improve one’s cybersecurity posture. Let’s take a look at how nonprofits can tackle such ransomware attacks head-on.

Stop Ransomware at the Human Level: Why Cyber Awareness Training Is Nonnegotiable

With employees and volunteers forming the first line of defense for nonprofits, it is imperative that they are properly trained. If not, they form the weakest link in a cyberattack. Even a threatening ransomware attack can often seemingly appear very benign at first. A user might click a malicious link or open up a deceptive email. At first glance, these seem legitimate; however, that’s not always the case. 

Additionally, there can be instances of social engineering involved. Users can be tempted, often urgently, to reveal sensitive information at the guise of someone or something spoofing to be genuine. As a result, one cannot overlook the importance of protecting their assets, whether tangible or intangible, by focusing first on people and building a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and everything follows through.

Enabling Default Security to Block Ransomware Attacks: A One-Click Approach

The approach of securing assets by design and by default should be noted by nonprofit organizations. It involves building security into day-to-day operations by default — so that protecting systems doesn’t rely on constant vigilance or costly solutions. 

For example, several cloud-based solutions offer the advantages of including built-in security features such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), automatic updates, suspicious login alerts, and file-scanning protections. The challenges begin when these settings are turned off by default. Therefore, nonprofits can take advantage of security by default — simply by enabling these protections across all accounts. 

Considering the fact that ransomware attacks frequently exploit outdated systems or unpatched vulnerabilities, enabling automatic updates is also very crucial. With thoughtful considerations, nonprofits can fortify themselves and protect their mission, their donors, and their data without breaking the bank.

Act Fast, Stay Ready: Building an Incident Response Plan That Stops Ransomware Chaos

Once a nonprofit has been attacked with ransomware, it is crucial to respond to the situation in a predictable and consistent manner. Essentially, the organization should be prepared to respond anytime methodically. A well-designed incident response plan (IPR) becomes crucial. First of all, the plan should specify how to identify signs of ransomware. A sudden file encryption, an unusual device behavior, locked screens, or ransom notes are to be looked at carefully. A robust IRP also necessitates clearly defining roles and responsibilities. When ransomware causes chaos and confusion, defining roles upfront makes it much easier to respond.

Furthermore, an IRP should have a communication plan for the different stakeholders of a nonprofit, including donors, employees, volunteers, partner organizations, vendors, and — when required — regulatory authorities. Factual, controlled messaging should be carefully balanced with transparency in information. Pre-approved templates for email updates, press statements, or notifications help minimize panic and establish trust. Finally, having cybersecurity insurance should also be a key tactic considered by nonprofits. These policies can transfer risk and financial support during bad times.

Conclusion

Ransomware threats are expected to become more widespread and sophisticated with the rapid advancements in technology. However, with the right culture, mindset, and know-how, organizations can tackle it with ease. Protecting assets doesn’t require expensive tools or complex technologies — it requires being intentional. While organizations may be tempted to pay the ransomware money, with a robust set of controls, that situation might not arise in the first place. Ultimately, cybersecurity is not just an IT responsibility; it is a mission responsibility.