Nonprofits exist to change the world. Whether you’re tackling hunger, providing essential care, or working on countless other missions, the work you do matters. But your impact is also what makes you a prime target for exploitation.

You may not have the deep pockets of big corporations, but you do have something hackers want: data and access. Donor information, financial transactions, contact lists, advocacy strategies… it’s all valuable. Unfortunately, many nonprofits lack the resources to invest in top-tier security, making them easy targets.

Let’s talk about the critical role that Nonprofit Technology providers, also called NonprofitTech companies, play in protecting nonprofits, and how, as a NonprofitTech provider, you can keep your operations and your customers’ operations safely running.

Software Security for NonprofitTech

Nonprofits rely on digital tools to collect donations, manage volunteers, track campaigns, engage with communities, and more. But with great technology comes great responsibility… and security risks. Here’s why you’re at risk:

1. Donor Data is a Goldmine

Your customers handle a lot of sensitive data, such as credit card information from donations, personal details from supporters, and internal financial records. If that data gets leaked, it’s not just embarrassing, it’s a breach of trust that could cost donors and funding.

2. Nonprofits Are Usually Underprotected

Most nonprofits don’t have dedicated cybersecurity teams or massive IT budgets, which makes them prime targets for hackers. Phishing attacks, ransomware, and data breaches can hit nonprofits just as hard as any corporation, but they often have fewer resources to recover. Because of this, they may have more strict requirements for software they use and vendors with whom they work, understanding they can’t manage all security aspects themselves.

3. Compliance Nightmares

Nonprofits that operate internationally or handle financial transactions must comply with laws like GDPR, PCI-DSS, and CCPA. A data breach doesn’t just mean bad PR, it can mean hefty fines, legal trouble, damaged credibility, and lost ability to operate.

4. Trust is Everything

A nonprofit’s success relies on its reputation. If donors and supporters don’t feel their information is safe, they might take their contributions elsewhere. And if a data breach happens, the damage control can take years to reverse, if it’s even reversible. That’s why if they choose to use your technology, they’ll expect you to do everything possible to protect their information.

Best Practices for Securing NonprofitTech Platforms

The good news? You can take simple, practical steps to improve your software security without blowing your entire budget on cybersecurity consultants or software platforms that promise the world, but your team can’t actually use. Here’s how:

1. Secure Donation Platforms and CRM Systems

If you provide software for collecting online donations, your payment processor and CRM system are prime targets for cyberattacks. Make sure your donation platform uses end-to-end encryption, tokenization, and PCI-compliant security measures to keep donor payment data safe. If you’re not sure if the tools you’re using, including third-party integrations, are secure, request a Software Bill of Materials from your vendors.

2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is Non-Negotiable

A strong password isn’t enough anymore. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for every user account. MFA is a simple way to block unauthorized access, even if a password gets compromised.

3. Regularly Update and Patch Software

Hackers love outdated software. If you aren’t regularly scanning your software, you could be sitting on a security vulnerability. Set up automatic updates wherever possible and keep your systems patched.

4. Secure Cloud Storage and File Sharing

Nonprofits often store sensitive documents, like donor lists, grant applications, and advocacy plans, in cloud storage services. Make sure you’re providing them a secure, encrypted service with access controls, and can avoid sharing sensitive information over unsecured email attachments.

6. Back Up Everything (Like Your Mission Depends on It)

A ransomware attack could lock your organization and your customers out of their data, bringing operations to a grinding halt. Regularly backup data like donor records, campaign data, and financial reports to a secure location. If the worst happens, at least you won’t lose everything.

How Application Security Fits into Nonprofit Operations

Nonprofits use all kinds of software applications, donation platforms, event management tools, email marketing software, and advocacy platforms are just a few. But if those applications aren’t secure, they could become entry points for attackers. As a Nonprofit Tech provider, here’s how to keep your systems, and your customers’ business, safe from attacks:

1. Application Security for Nonprofit Tools

SOOS helps you protect donor databases, fundraising platforms, and nonprofit management software by scanning for vulnerabilities and alerting you before an attacker can exploit them.

2. Automated Vulnerability Scanning

Nonprofits can’t afford to manually check for security risks, and as a NonprofitTech provider, neither can you. SOOS automates the process of securing your software applications, continuously scanning for vulnerabilities in software dependencies, APIs, and web applications.

3. Compliance Made Easy

Whether you and your customers are handling financial transactions, managing member data, or operating in multiple countries, SOOS provides security reports that help with compliance requirements like PCI-DSS, GDPR, and HIPAA.

4. Risk Prioritization (Because Not All Threats Are Equal)

SOOS doesn’t just find vulnerabilities, it ranks them based on multiple criteria such as severity, business rules, and potential impact. That way, you can focus on fixing the most critical issues first, without wasting time on minor risks.

5. Easy Integration with NonprofitTech Tools

SOOS integrates seamlessly with major development and deployment platforms, making it easy for NonprofitTech teams (and their vendors) to implement security without disrupting day-to-day operations.

Security doesn’t have to be overwhelming, even for NonprofitTech companies and nonprofits with limited resources. SOOS provides a simple, effective way to integrate security into your tech stack.

Keep Operations Running and Secure

Investing in software security isn’t just about protecting data, it’s about safeguarding your nonprofit customers’, and their donors’, trust, ensuring compliance, and keeping operations running smoothly.

With SOOS, you can secure your tech stack without breaking the bank. From automated vulnerability scanning to compliance reporting, we help you stay protected, so you can focus on what really matters, helping your customers change the world.
Want to keep your nonprofit customers’ data safe and secure? Contact us or try SOOS for free to see how easy it is to secure your software.