To work as an organization the board members of non-profit organizations need tools that are simple to use and allow for communication. They often deal with sensitive data that could be a disaster in the wrong hands and should be kept private. Despite the widespread use of digital communication including email, texting and messaging apps, they aren’t secure enough to be used for board-related business, making boards open to cyberattacks.
Nonprofit board directors are volunteers who bring a variety of experiences, knowledge and skills to their roles. They also have other jobs or careers. Being juggling these multiple obligations and responsibilities, can make it difficult for them to maintain consistent contact with one another.
The good news is, the right technology can be of assistance. The integration of a chat, messaging and collaboration platform with a board management software or a document management system can simplify the process, preventing duplication and loss of data. It also helps protect against cyberattacks as well as safeguard confidential documents and conversations.
Volunteer board members are typically prominent people who have access to sensitive information. Hackers are aware of this and are targeting them with phishing attacks as well as ransomware, where criminals threaten to release personal data unless they receive a sum of money. A board may also face sanctions from the regulator or lose confidence if sensitive documents are accidentally shared using unsecure channels like email or mobile devices. To avoid these risks, the ideal solution must include strict cybercheckboxes, as well as an audit trail in order to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of information.