Cyber Liability. Whether we like it or not, we live in a digital world, and for better or worse, COVID-19 accelerated the digital movement. This has brought cyber security to the forefront of people’s minds. We conduct much of our lives online; buying groceries, scheduling curbside pickups, and paying bills. Our children even go to school online now too! With the social landscape largely changed and large galas/ fundraising opportunities canceled for most of 2020, many nonprofit donors made the pivot to donating to their favorite nonprofits online.

Your Nonprofit’s Cyber Security Exposure

If your nonprofit has an online presence, your organization could become a cyber criminal’s dream and ultimately open your organization up to a data breach. You may be thinking to yourself, “A lot of our donors still write checks, we aren’t at risk”. That’s not necessarily true. If your organization engages in any of the following activities, you need to assess your cyber security risks immediately [1].

1. Conduct e-commerce on your website (donation processing, event registrations, other fundraisers)
2. Retain and transfer personally identifiable information on anyone, including, but not limited to, donors, specifically on the “cloud”. Identifiable information includes: medical information; drivers license numbers; addresses; birthdays; social security numbers; and employee records)
3. Collect newsletter subscribers, etc.

Protecting Your Nonprofit from Cyber Liability

A breach is likely to happen, especially in today’s world. If something happens to the data that you collect and store, not only are you at risk, but so are the individuals that had their data breached. Your nonprofit could be held liable for that breach. Did you know that there is cyber liability insurance that can help your nonprofit cover losses that are incurred during a security breach? Like all insurance policies out there, this is one that is important, but, unfortunately, the value of this coverage isn’t seen until it’s needed. Still not convinced that you need a cyber liability policy? Here are three key steps to take to help make your decision [2] :

1. Become knowledgeable on how a breach of privacy claim can affect your nonprofit as a whole.
2. Work with a knowledgeable insurance agent or broker, like The Insurance Connection that understands how cyber liability policies differ in coverage and also has a full understanding of your organization and can explain your organization’s exposure.
3. Take a thoughtful look at the cost of the annual premium.

If you’re part of a nonprofit in Metro-Atlanta or Middle Georgia, reach out to one of our agents to start the conversation on what a cyber liability policy can do to protect your organization.

Learn More

Are you interested in learning more about  nonprofit insurance ? Contact local insurance agent,  Sandi Purinton  with The Insurance Connection.

Disclaimer: This material is for information only. This post does not provide legal or professional advice. Consult with your own attorney or other expert consultants for a professional opinion specific to your situation. The Insurance Connection welcomes all applications, without regard to religion, race, color, national origin, sex, handicap or familial status.

[1] https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/cybersecurity-nonprofits

[2] https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/cybersecurity-nonprofits

Image attribute: www.freepik.com