As nonprofits and mission-based organizations increasingly rely on digital tools to connect, fundraise, and deliver services, protecting their data and communities has become essential. To explore how the importance of cybersecurity can serve the public good, we spoke with the Global Cyber Alliance (GCA), a nonprofit working to make digital safety more accessible through initiatives like Common Good Cyber and Nonprofit Cyber. Together, these programs are helping level the playing field and empower organizations of all sizes to build resilience online.
This is part one of a two part conversation.
1. What are Common Good Cyber and Nonprofit Cyber, and what gaps in the cybersecurity ecosystem do they address?
As global reliance on digital systems has grown, so too has the threat of cyberattacks. These risks don’t just affect big corporations; they endanger schools, nonprofits, hospitals, and small businesses that form the backbone of our communities. Without proper protections and cybersecurity tools, we risk an Internet that is less safe, less reliable, and far more vulnerable to harm.
Common Good Cyber and Nonprofit Cyber are two related efforts strengthening the Internet as a shared resource and making the online world safer and more resilient—especially for under-served and under-resourced groups like mission-based organizations with limited cybersecurity capacity.
Common Good Cyber creates sustainable funding for organizations that safeguard the Internet. It’s about ensuring the financial backbone of the public-interest cybersecurity ecosystem, supporting the organizations and projects that make the Internet safer for everyone, especially for those who can’t afford commercial solutions.
Nonprofit Cyber builds community and coordination among those same mission-driven cybersecurity organizations working to protect the Internet. It brings them together to reduce duplication, collaborate on projects, and support one another so that their collective impact is greater than the sum of their parts.
2. Why should cybersecurity be a priority for mission-driven organizations?
Mission-driven organizations serve over one billion individuals worldwide, and to do so they collect and retain personal and financial data on their beneficiaries, donors, and staff, often with very few in-house resources. This makes many NGOs “cyber-poor, target-rich” to criminals: cyber-poor because they are an easy target from a technical perspective, and target-rich because the sector raises over one trillion dollars annually and collects a treasure trove of valuable data.
Cybersecurity should be a priority for every mission-driven organization because they have data and resources worth protecting. Enforcing simple cybersecurity actions strengthens their own defenses and the broader ecosystem they depend on. Cybersecurity ensures you can keep doing the work that matters most, instead of dealing with a data breach, ransomware, or stolen funds.
3. What are some of the most common risks that mission-driven organizations face today?
Mission-driven organizations face the same threats as large corporations, sometimes even more so since they are seen as easy targets,but often without dedicated IT staff. The most common risks include phishing scams that trick staff or volunteers into sharing credentials or funds, ransomware that locks organizations out of critical systems, and breaches through third-party vendors or cloud platforms. Human error, like weak passwords or misconfigured tools, remains a frequent root cause of incidents.
An attack can disrupt services, compromise data, and damage the trust that enables donations and partnerships. Investing in basic cyber hygiene such as strong passwords, multifactor authentication, software updates, secure backups, and regular staff training is one of the most effective ways to protect people, data, and communities.
4. How do Common Good Cyber and Nonprofit Cybermake make cybersecurity achievable for nontechnical teams?
Security should be fundamental and available to everyone, like safe drinking water. Instead, digital security is a daily struggle, managed by under-resourced organizations..
We’re committed to changing this—improving security and resilience for everyone and supporting the cybersecurity-focused nonprofits that protect us all. Through programs like CyberPeace Builders, Shadowserver alerts, the Sightline KickStart program, and the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Mission-based Organizations, cybersecurity nonprofits are meeting NGOs and civil society organizations exactly where they are with pragmatism, expertise, and effective tools.
A recent webinar hosted by NGO-ISAC illuminated the growing risks NGOs face, but celebrated the collective impact of cybersecurity nonprofits working in the background to provide low-cost, tailored support. These efforts are not just about technology—they’re about protecting human rights workers, educators, healthcare providers, and aid organizations from threats that could halt their life-changing work. Every one of these resources is free and designed to help nonprofits strengthen cybersecurity step by step, no matter their size or technical capacity.
5. What tools or resources should nonprofits and mission-driven organizations start with?
We recommend everyone start with the GCA Cybersecurity Toolkit for Mission-based Organizations. This is a curated set of free tools, guidance, and training designed to help organizations take key cybersecurity steps and be more secure.
Other trusted resources include:
- CyberPeace Institute – Provides tailored cyber assistance to NGOs through the CyberPeace Builders.
- Shadowserver Foundation – Free global threat monitoring and vulnerability alerts via Shadowserver Reports.
- Sightline Security – Risk assessments and strategic cybersecurity resources for nonprofits.via the Cybersecurity KickStart for Nonprofits program.
Cybersecurity is not a single action but an ongoing practice that grows stronger with the right tools, guidance, and community support. Learn more about Global Cyber Alliance, Common Good Cyber, and Nonprofit Cyber.
Part one of the Conversation is available here.