The Cyber Security Challenges UK Charities Face
UK charities are navigating a precarious path when it comes to the balance between funding and their IT and Cyber Security solutions. This dual pressure of limited resources and an ever-expanding digital footprint have left many charities exposed to the ever expanding and evolving cyber security threat landscape, threatening not just their ability to operate, but also the integrity of the sensitive data they hold as a charity. In 2023 alone, 32% of UK Charities experienced a cyber attack, highlighting the need to ensure that charities are protected against potential threats. We delve into the cyber security challenges UK charities face, underscored by recent statistics, and explore the potential implications of this vulnerability.
Every Penny Counts
The financial constraints typical within the charity and non-profit sector play a significant role in the It and Cyber Security challenges which they face. Charities, driven by a mission to maximise support to their causes and give back to the people who need it most, often find their IT Support, Solutions and Cyber Security measures underfunded or completely neglected. This leads charities to a reliance on outdated systems, insufficient security solutions and policies, and a lack of dedicated, skilled IT personnel, thus rendering charities particularly vulnerable to evolving cyber security threats such as polymorphic and metamorphic malware, ransomware, phishing attacks, dark web leaks and much more.
Holding Sensitive Data
The stakes are high, charities hold a wealth of sensitive data, ranging from personal details of donors and beneficiaries to financial records and health information. This wealth of data makes charities attractive targets for cybercriminals, with breaches potentially leading to severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences.
The Implications of Cyber Breaches
Recent findings from the UK's Cyber Security Breaches Survey paint a concerning picture for UK Charities: around a quarter of charities reported experiencing cyber attacks or breaches over the last 12 months, however, this figure grows to 66% among larger charities. The financial impact of cyber attacks on these charities can be devastating, with estimated costs of up to £21,000 per breach for small businesses in the UK. It is estimated that only 27% of UK Charities have a formal cyber security policy in place, and just 20% have provided their staff with any form of cyber security training in the past year. This significant gap in cyber security preparedness highlights the urgent need for enhanced education and comprehensive solutions dedicated to cyber security defence within the charitable and non-profit sectors. The financial strain of attacks and breaches such as these can significantly hamper a charity's ability to fulfil its core mission. As such, it is imperative that charities throughout the UK follow a minimum framework for their Cyber Security Strategy and Policies.
Beyond the Breach
The consequences of cyber attacks on UK Charities and Non-profits extend beyond the immediate financial and operational disruptions. A cyber security breach can damage a charity's reputation among their community and with supporters/donors, leading to a loss of public trust and a decrease in donations. Additionally, it can lead to further regulatory fines and legal expenses associated with not protecting sensitive data. In a sector where a charity's reputation is as critical as the cause itself, a cyber attack can have long-lasting effects on the charity's ability to operate effectively and achieve their goal.
Putting the Right Solutions and Strategies in Place
The cyber security challenges faced by UK charities require a comprehensive approach. Increasing awareness of the importance of cyber security, fostering partnerships with providers for affordable solutions, and leveraging government and private sector support are crucial steps to ensuring that charities stay compliant with national standards. Initiatives like the National Cyber Security Centre's (NCSC) resources for charities offer valuable guidance, however, the consistent implementation of an adequate framework of services and solutions is essential. We can work with charities to ensure that they follow the government-recommended Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus standards, as well as ensuring you have the necessary technical requirements for Cyber Insurance policies and ISO 27001.
How can TwentyFour IT Services secure your charity?
At TwentyFour, we work with many charities throughout the UK, including our charity partner Active Fusion (Winner of Charity of the Year 2023 at the 2023 Doncaster Business Awards) to provide comprehensive IT Support and Cyber Security solutions to ensure that their data is protected from evolving cyber security threats. We work with charities to ensure that they make the most of the charitable licensing available to them and that they have the cyber security solutions and monitoring in place to keep them protected from evolving threats.
If you would like to find out more, fill out the form below, and we will work with your charity to complete a cyber health check as well as see if any of your charity's credentials have been leaked on the Dark Web.