Cyber Security for Charities - what trustees and managers need to know

Business Leaders Cyber Briefing

This episode explains Cyber Essentials, a UK government-backed scheme that helps charities protect themselves against common cyber attacks. Trustees and leaders are responsible for ensuring their charity's IT systems and data are secure. This is essential for maintaining public trust, protecting beneficiaries, and securing funding.

Cyber Essentials certification demonstrates a commitment to cyber security, helping charities meet the increasing requirements of grant-making bodies and public sector contracts.

Key actions for trustees:

• Understand the five technical controls: firewalls, secure configuration, security update management, user access control, and malware protection.
• Implement key policies, such as applying security updates within 14 days, using supported software, having strong password policies, and managing user accounts and permissions.
• Ensure all systems used for charity business meet these requirements, including devices owned by trustees and volunteers.

Cyber Essentials offers significant benefits:

• Protection against the vast majority of common cyber attacks.
• Increased confidence in data security.
• New funding opportunities.
• Reduced likelihood of cyber insurance claims.
• Free cyber insurance for small charities.

This episode will guide you through the essential steps to protect your charity from cyber risks.
Business Leaders Cyber Briefing is produced by Cool Waters Cyber, a UK based cyber security firm who have been protecting businesses across 3 continents since 1999. We are an NCSC Assured Service Provider and Cyber Advisor. To learn more: www.cool-waters.co.uk