30% of charities said they had suffered cyber security breaches or attacks in 2022 – the number rising to 62% among charities with annual incomes of £500,000 or more and 76% for those with an income of £5 million or more.

It’s an important reminder to us all that cybercriminals do not discriminate between private firms and not-for-profits. To aid charities based in the North West, we’ve launched a dedicated area of resources for charities, to support them in remaining vigilant against online crime.

If you're looking to strengthen your charity's resilience against cyber attacks we can tailor our membership or services to not only fit in with the way your charity works but also fit within your budget.

Just 26% of charities have completed a cyber risk assessment and just 19% of charities have trained staff in cyber security.

Many charities wrongly assume that they do not need cybersecurity help because they aren't a target. When in reality, your staff may be conned by phishing emails. Phishing involves attackers trying to con recipients into giving away personal details or passwords through emails and text messages. How can your charity avoid becoming a victim of a ransomware attack?

As a starting point, charities should make their organisations safer from cybercriminals by:

• Back up your files, frequently! Whilst a backup won't stop a malware attack, it can minimise the damage caused by one and keep your data safe.
• Keep the operating systems and applications on all devices up-to-date.
• Make sure you have installed antivirus software, which helps to detect malicious programs like ransomware.
• Don't allow staff to install third-party software or have administrative privileges unless it has been approved by your IT team.
• Implement a Cyber Incident Plan to prepare for, respond and recover from cyber incidents.

“Everybody involved with charities - donors, volunteers, employees, professional advisers and, above all, trustees - have a role to play in protecting the charity sector from cyber-related harm.” Helen Stephenson, the Chief Executive of the Charity Commission for England and Wales

NCSC Guidance for Charities

The National Cyber Security Centre’s Small Charity Guide is also available to download and provides easy-to-follow guidance for the not-for-profit sector. ,Download Guide

“The NCSC is not just here to look after the IT systems of the UK government and business. We are committed to supporting the charity sector and we encourage you all to implement the five quick and easy steps outlined in this guide.” Ciaran Martin, Chief Executive Officer, NCSC

For further information regarding the support which the North West Cyber Resilience Centre can offer charities and non-profits or if you have any questions, you can contact us here.