Why Nonprofits Are Prime Targets for Hackers—and What You Can Do About It

Nonprofits do incredible work. They uplift communities, deliver essential services, and stand at the forefront of societal change. However, while focusing on their mission, many nonprofits unknowingly leave a critical door open: cybersecurity.

Many assume that hackers focus only on large corporations with deep pockets. But in reality, nonprofits are increasingly becoming prime targets for cyberattacks, and the stakes are higher than ever.

In this blog, we’ll explore why hackers target nonprofits, the top cybersecurity risks facing the sector, and, most importantly, what steps we can take to protect your mission.

 

Why Hackers Target Nonprofits

Let’s start with the most pressing question: why are nonprofits such attractive targets for cybercriminals?

1. Limited IT Resources

Many nonprofits operate with lean budgets and small teams. That often means cybersecurity takes a back seat. Without dedicated IT staff or proper tools, vulnerabilities go unnoticed and unaddressed, resulting in easy entry points for attackers.

2. Valuable Data

Nonprofits handle a lot of sensitive data, such as donor information, personal health records, client databases, financial details, and more. This data is extremely valuable on the dark web. Hackers know nonprofits store it online, and they bet on weak defences to get it.

3. Outdated Technology

Legacy systems and outdated software are common in nonprofit environments. Unfortunately, these systems are more prone to bugs and lack critical security patches, making them low-hanging fruit for cybercriminals.

4. High Pressure to Pay Ransom

Nonprofits can’t afford extended downtime. If operations halt due to a ransomware attack, the pressure to pay up is enormous. Hackers exploit this urgency, knowing that an organization might pay the ransom just to restore services quickly.

 

The Rising Cyber Threats to Nonprofits

The statistics are alarming and eye-opening:

1. According to the State of Nonprofit Cybersecurity report by Microsoft and NTEN, nearly 60% of nonprofits provide no cybersecurity training for their staff.
2. In the past three years alone, 68% of nonprofits have faced a data breach, according to the latest report from CyberPeace.
3. Nearly 7 in 10 nonprofits don’t have a documented plan for what to do if a cyberattack hits. Source: Nonprofit Tech for Good Report

These numbers highlight a clear gap between threat awareness and actual preparedness. It’s not a question of if a cyberattack will happen—but when.

 

Common Cyber Attacks Facing Nonprofits

Nonprofits are vulnerable to the same cyber threats as large enterprises. Here are the most common:

Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals trick employees into clicking malicious links or revealing login credentials through fake emails or messages.

Ransomware

Attackers encrypt critical files and demand payment to release them. This can paralyze services and damage trust.

Data Breaches

Unauthorized access to donor or client data can lead to identity theft, reputational damage, and legal consequences.

Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Hackers impersonate executives or vendors to trick staff into transferring funds or sensitive data.

 

How Nonprofits Can Strengthen Their Cybersecurity

Now, here’s the good news: nonprofit cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. With the right steps, you can build a strong foundation that protects our mission and the people we serve.

1. Educate and Train Staff

The first line of defense is always people. Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps staff identify phishing attempts and follow safe practices.

2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Adding a second layer of protection beyond passwords makes it harder for attackers to access systems, even if they get login credentials.

3. Keep Software Updated

Ensure all operating systems, tools, and plugins are up to date with the latest security patches.

4. Back Up Data Regularly

Maintain secure, encrypted backups that are stored offline. This minimizes downtime and ensures quick recovery in case of ransomware.

5. Work with a Trusted Cybersecurity Partner

Managed security service providers (MSSPs) can help nonprofits proactively monitor systems, detect threats, and respond to incidents without the need for large internal IT teams.

 

How Pathway Helps Nonprofits Stay Secure

At Pathway, we understand the unique challenges nonprofits face. We’ve worked with many mission-driven organizations across Canada, helping them build robust cybersecurity without breaking their budget.

Here’s how we can help:

• Vulnerability Assessments to identify and fix weak spots in your network
• 24/7 Monitoring and Threat Detection to catch and contain attacks early
• Staff Training and Policy Support to create a culture of cyber awareness
• Disaster Recovery and Data Backup Solutions to keep you resilient

Our tailored cybersecurity solutions are designed with nonprofits in mind—flexible, affordable, and mission-first.

 

Let’s Protect What Matters Most

Cyber threats to nonprofits are real and growing. But with the right awareness and support, we can take control of our digital safety and keep our focus where it belongs: on making an impact.

Want to know where your organization stands? Let’s start with a free cybersecurity consultation. Talk to our team: https://www.pathcom.com/contact-us