Protecting Good Causes: How MSPs Shield Nonprofits

By: Justin Krentz

Nonprofits are often seen as beacons of hope and support in our communities, but they also face unique challenges, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. With 27% of nonprofits having experienced a cyberattack, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. We’ve all heard it, “ensuring the security of sensitive donor information, financial records, and operational data is paramount to maintaining trust and continuing to provide essential services”, but how do we actually do this?

Well, you can start by having a solid cybersecurity strategy in place that allows nonprofits, like you, to focus on their core missions without the constant worry of potential cyber threats.

**BONUS** A secure IT environment also enables nonprofits to comply with regulatory requirements, avoiding costly fines and legal issues.

However, actually implementing effective cybersecurity can be challenging for nonprofits, especially since they are typically working with limited budgets and resources. Balancing the need for comprehensive security measures with financial constraints requires careful planning and prioritization. Additionally, the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats means that nonprofits must stay informed and adaptable to protect their digital assets effectively.

The Unique Challenges Faced by Nonprofits

As you probably already know, nonprofits face several unique challenges when it comes to cybersecurity, including:

  • Limited Budgets and Financial Constraints: Nonprofits often operate on tight budgets, making it difficult to allocate sufficient funds for comprehensive cybersecurity measures. Prioritizing cybersecurity investments while ensuring that resources are used efficiently is a constant balancing act.
  • Handling Sensitive Data: Nonprofits handle a variety of sensitive data, including donor information, client/patient records, and financial details. Protecting this information is crucial to maintaining the trust of donors, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders. Alarmingly, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported 69 data compromises at nonprofits in the first nine months of 2023 alone. These compromises impacted millions of people and put a spotlight on the critical need for data protection.
  • Compliance with Regulatory Frameworks: Nonprofits must adhere to various regulatory frameworks, such as HIPAA for nonprofits within the healthcare industry and PCI-DSS for any nonprofit handling credit card transactions. Ensuring compliance with these regulations can be challenging, especially when taking into consideration the aforementioned limited budget and resource challenges nonprofits regularly face.
  • Diverse Range of Services and Stakeholders: Nonprofits provide a wide range of services and engage with diverse stakeholders, from donors and volunteers to beneficiaries and regulatory bodies. This diversity adds complexity to managing and securing data across different systems and processes. 

Can Managed Service Providers (MSPs) Help?

MSPs are external firms that manage an organization’s IT infrastructure and end-user systems on a proactive basis. They take over the responsibility of monitoring and maintaining your IT systems, ensuring everything runs smoothly. MSPs offer a wide range of services, from network management and cybersecurity to data backup and recovery, all tailored to meet the specific needs of nonprofits. Here are some of the benefits MSPs provide nonprofit organizations in regard to cybersecurity:

  • Access to Expert Knowledge and Resources: One of the key advantages of partnering with an MSP is gaining access to a broad pool of IT expertise and resources. Instead of relying on one or two internal IT staff members who may have limited time and knowledge, an MSP can benefit nonprofits by providing a team of resources with diverse skill sets and experiences. This allows the organization to focus on its mission while leaving the complexities of technology management to the experts.
  • Enhanced Security: MSPs play a crucial role in implementing and maintaining robust security measures. They ensure that nonprofits are protected from breaches and remain compliant with regulations. Given that nonprofits often deal with sensitive data, Vertilocity, a MSP that specializes in nonprofit technology management, would ensure that the proper safeguards are in place to protect this information.
  • Strategic Guidance: Some MSPs offer strategic guidance and support, helping nonprofits develop IT plans that specifically align with their mission and goals. They assist with grant applications, ensuring that technology needs are clearly defined and supported. By helping develop IT budgets and implementation strategies, MSPs can ensure nonprofits are more efficient and able to scale effectively.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Nonprofits often face changing needs and priorities. MSPs offer scalable solutions that adapt to the evolving landscape of nonprofit work. Whether it’s expanding services, entering new markets, or adopting new technologies, MSPs provide the flexibility needed to support these changes. They can adapt to changes and ensure the right technology is in place to support whatever the organization is pursuing.
  • Budget Predictability: Predictable pricing models offered by MSPs help nonprofits manage their budgets more effectively. Instead of dealing with unexpected IT costs, nonprofits can budget their technological expenditures with greater accuracy. This predictability is vital for organizations that rely on grants and donations. Having a predictable pricing model means nonprofits know what their costs will be as changes come into play, which is crucial for budget management.

Diverse Needs, Tailored Solutions

Nonprofits have varied missions and face unique challenges that require solutions customized just for them. Different types of nonprofits have distinct needs when it comes to technology and cybersecurity. Here are some common nonprofit categories and how MSPs support various nonprofit sectors:

Healthcare Nonprofits

Healthcare nonprofits face specific challenges, including stringent regulatory requirements and the need to protect sensitive patient information in addition to donor information. MSPs play a crucial role in improving security and compliance within the healthcare sector. They implement robust security measures to ensure organizations meet HIPAA standards and safeguard patient data. This includes deploying advanced encryption methods, conducting regular security audits, and providing comprehensive staff training on data privacy.

Incidents like the cyberattack on the major healthcare nonprofit Ascension, which disrupted clinical operations and forced the organization to take steps to minimize the impact on patient care, highlight the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. By ensuring compliance and enhancing data protection, MSPs help healthcare nonprofits focus on delivering quality healthcare services without the constant worry of potential data breaches or regulatory non-compliance.

Religious Nonprofits

Nonprofits in the religious sector often have specialized needs, such as managing donations, meaningfully engaging with their communities, and ensuring the security of sensitive information from stakeholders. MSPs support religious nonprofits by modernizing any outdated technology and IT infrastructure. They implement secure and efficient Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems that improve fundraising capabilities such as donation tracking and automated communications with donors. MSPs also can upgrade network security to help protect against potential cyber threats and provide staff training on using new systems. This helps religious nonprofits streamline operations and enhance community engagement, allowing them to focus more on their mission and effectively serve their communities.

Arts and Cultural Nonprofits

Arts organizations often face challenges related to limited funding and the need to engage diverse audiences. One arts organization that has been a Vertilocity client for 20 years benefited from our support in addressing network deficiencies and leveraging nonprofit pricing for software licenses and services. Like any MSP, we conducted a thorough assessment of their IT infrastructure and identified critical areas for improvement. However, we also helped secure discounted rates for essential tools and applications, ensuring that the organization could operate within its budget. Additionally, we provided ongoing support to keep systems running in harmony. This long-term partnership has allowed the arts organization to scale effectively over the years, while remaining focused on their core mission, maintaining smooth operations, and efficiently managing their resources.

How to Choose the Right MSP

Choosing the right Managed Service Provider is crucial for nonprofits looking to enhance their IT infrastructure and security. Start by identifying your organization’s specific needs and challenges. Look for MSPs that have a proven track record of working with nonprofits and understand the unique constraints and requirements of your specific sector. Finally, be sure to thoroughly assess the MSP’s expertise in handling sensitive data, such as donor information and compliance with regulations like HIPAA for healthcare nonprofits.

For nonprofits seeking reliable MSP support, Vertilocity specializes in addressing these unique challenges. Contact us at MSP@vertilocity.com to learn how we can help enhance your IT infrastructure and security, allowing you to focus on your mission with confidence.