Cyber Security: Practical support to help your charity today!

Ensuring the safety and security of those most vulnerable in society is of the utmost importance. This is especially true in the digital age, as more and more organisations that serve these populations are moving their operations online. Unfortunately, these organisations are also at a higher risk of cyber attacks, which can compromise sensitive information and disrupt services.

Recognising this need, many cyber-security companies and non-profits are offering free support to organisations that help the most vulnerable in society. These organisations include those that work with children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness or poverty.

Cyber Essentials is a UK government-backed, industry-supported scheme to help organisations protect themselves against common online threats. The program provides a set of security controls that organisations can implement to protect themselves against common cyber threats, such as phishing and malware. Organisations that successfully complete the program are awarded a Cyber Essentials certification, which demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that the organization has taken steps to protect itself against common cyber threats. It's a basic cyber security standard to have in place, and it can be a good entry point for organisations to start improving their cyber security. Read more about the initiative here.

One example of a company offering free cyber security support is The Cyber Security Refuge (CSR). CSR is a UK-based charity that provides free cyber security advice and support to small charities and non-profit organisations, including penetration testing, security audits, and incident response planning.

Cyber Risk Aware is another UK-based company that helps charities and non-profit organisations. They offer free online training and a range of resources to help these organizations improve their cyber security.

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a non-profit organisation based overseas that focuses on promoting cybersecurity awareness and education. They offer a number of free resources for small businesses and non-profit organisations, including the Small Business Cyber Planner and a Cybersecurity Resource Center.

While these are just a few examples, there are many other organizations around the world that recognize the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and are stepping up to offer their support. This is especially important as cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent and sophisticated, and organisations that serve vulnerable people may not have the resources to protect themselves.

Organisations that help the most vulnerable in society play a vital role in our communities and it is heartening to see that cybersecurity companies and non-profits are recognising the importance of their work and taking action to help them stay safe and secure online. This is a positive step towards making the digital world a safer place for charities. 

In conclusion, the cyber security of organisations that help the most vulnerable in society is of paramount importance. As more and more of these organisations move their operations online, they become increasingly at risk of cyber attacks that can compromise sensitive information and disrupt services. However, a growing number of cybersecurity companies and non-profits are recognising this need and offering free support to organisations that serve these populations.

Examples include The Cyber Security Refuge in the UK, The Center for Internet Security in the US, The National Cyber Security Alliance and Cyber Risk Aware also in the UK which provides a wide range of services such as penetration testing, security audits, incident response planning, free online training and resources to small charities, non-profit organisations and other groups that serve vulnerable populations.

This support is vital for protecting the most vulnerable in society and for ensuring that these organisations can continue their important work. It's a good step towards making the digital world a safer place for everyone, especially for the most vulnerable population. It is important for these organisations to take advantage of these resources and opportunities to improve their cyber security, and for individuals and organisations in the broader community to support and promote these efforts. By doing so, we can work together to protect the most vulnerable in society and build a more secure and resilient digital world for all.