The Best Cybersecurity Solutions for Nonprofits

Nonprofit organizations are stewards of highly sensitive information, from donor financial details to confidential beneficiary data. This makes them prime targets for cyberattacks, yet they often operate with lean budgets and limited IT resources. The constant pressure to direct funds toward mission-critical programs can leave cybersecurity as an underfunded afterthought, creating a significant vulnerability. Effective cybersecurity for nonprofits isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental component of protecting your mission, your stakeholders, and your reputation in an increasingly digital world.

Navigating the complex landscape of security solutions can be overwhelming, especially without a dedicated IT department. This guide cuts through the noise to provide a practical overview of the best providers and tools tailored to the unique needs of the nonprofit sector. We will explore managed services, specialized software, and discounted programs designed to deliver robust protection without straining your budget. By implementing proactive cybersecurity measures, you can build a resilient organization focused on what matters most: serving your community.

Why Cybersecurity is Mission-Critical for Nonprofits

For a nonprofit, a cyberattack is more than just a technical problem; it's an existential threat. The consequences of a breach can ripple through every aspect of your organization, undermining your ability to operate effectively and fulfill your mission. Prioritizing security is a direct investment in your organization's longevity and impact.

• Protecting Donor Trust: Your reputation is your most valuable asset. A data breach can erode the trust you've built with donors, volunteers, and the community, jeopardizing future funding and support.
• Ensuring Mission Continuity: Ransomware or other attacks can halt your operations entirely, cutting off essential services to the people who depend on you. A strong security posture ensures you can continue your work without interruption.
• Maintaining Regulatory Compliance: Many nonprofits handle data governed by regulations like HIPAA or GDPR. Non-compliance due to a breach can result in steep fines and legal action, diverting precious resources from your programs.
• Safeguarding Financial Stability: The costs associated with a breach—from remediation and legal fees to potential fines—can be financially devastating. Proactive security is far more cost-effective than reactive recovery.

The Risks by the Numbers

The threat landscape is not abstract; it's defined by tangible risks that can have severe financial and operational consequences. These statistics highlight the urgent need for nonprofits to formalize their security strategies and invest in protective measures.

• The average cost of a data breach for a U.S. business with fewer than 500 employees is reportedly $3.31 million. [verify]
• Human error is cited as a contributing factor in over 80% of data breaches, underscoring the need for team training. [verify]
• Ransomware attacks are a primary threat, accounting for nearly a quarter of all breaches. [verify]
• Despite the risks, a recent survey indicated that only 31% of nonprofits have a documented policy to address cyberattacks. [verify]

How We Evaluated These Cybersecurity Solutions

Our selection process focused on practical value and suitability for the nonprofit environment. We filtered providers based on criteria that address the core challenges of budget constraints, limited technical staff, and the need for comprehensive protection. Each solution was assessed for its ability to deliver a clear return on investment by securing assets and ensuring operational stability.

• Nonprofit-Specific Offerings: We prioritized providers that offer special pricing, grants, or plans tailored specifically to the nonprofit sector.
• Comprehensive Protection: The list includes solutions offering layered security, such as endpoint protection, email filtering, employee training, and network monitoring.
• Scalability and Ease of Use: We selected solutions that can grow with an organization and be managed effectively without a large, dedicated IT department.
• Proven Reputation: Our evaluation considered user reviews, industry recognition, and a demonstrated track record of protecting organizations with similar profiles.

Top 10 Cybersecurity Providers for Nonprofits

Finding the right security partner involves balancing cost, features, and ease of management. The following providers offer a range of solutions, from comprehensive managed services to specialized tools, designed to help nonprofits protect their digital assets effectively.

Cortavo

Managed Security Service Provider

Cortavo provides an all-in-one managed IT solution that bundles cybersecurity, 24/7 help desk support, hardware, and connectivity into a single, flat-fee monthly plan. This model is ideal for nonprofits that lack an in-house IT team, as it offloads the complexity of managing technology and security to a dedicated partner. Their service includes proactive threat monitoring, endpoint protection, data backup, and strategic guidance, allowing organizations to focus on their mission instead of their IT infrastructure. The predictable pricing structure eliminates surprise costs, making it easier to budget for comprehensive protection and support.

Core Strength: A fully outsourced, flat-fee IT and cybersecurity department for predictable budgeting and comprehensive support.

Best For: Nonprofits seeking a single, all-inclusive partner to manage all their technology and security needs.

Pro Tip: Leverage their vCIO (virtual CIO) services for strategic planning to align technology with your mission goals.

Microsoft 365 for Nonprofits

Software & Cloud Services

Microsoft offers significant grants and discounts on its products for eligible 501(c)(3) organizations. The Microsoft 365 Business Premium plan, which includes advanced security features like threat protection and device management, is available at a heavily reduced price. This offering provides a powerful, integrated suite of tools for email, collaboration, and security. It allows nonprofits to leverage enterprise-grade security features, such as multi-factor authentication and email filtering, that are built directly into the platforms their teams use every day. Note that licensing grants are subject to change. [verify]

Core Strength: Enterprise-grade security and productivity tools integrated into a single, discounted platform.

Best For: Organizations already using or planning to use the Microsoft ecosystem for email and office applications.

Pro Tip: Enable the Security Defaults in Azure Active Directory for a baseline of protection at no extra cost.

Google for Nonprofits

Software & Cloud Services

Similar to Microsoft, Google provides eligible nonprofits with access to its suite of tools at no cost. The Google Workspace for Nonprofits plan includes Gmail, Drive, Docs, and Meet, with built-in security features like spam filtering, phishing detection, and two-step verification. This program gives organizations a secure and reliable foundation for communication and collaboration. For those needing more advanced security controls, such as data loss prevention and security analytics, Google offers discounted upgrades to its higher-tier Workspace plans, providing a scalable path for growing security needs.

Core Strength: A robust, no-cost suite of secure collaboration tools perfect for budget-conscious organizations.

Best For: Nonprofits that need a secure, cloud-native platform for email, file storage, and team collaboration.

Pro Tip: Use the Security Checkup tool for all user accounts to easily review and manage security settings.

Bitdefender GravityZone

Endpoint Security Software

Bitdefender is a leader in endpoint protection, offering powerful antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-ransomware solutions. Their GravityZone Business Security product provides layered security for laptops, desktops, and servers, all managed from a single cloud-based console. This simplifies administration for organizations without dedicated IT staff. Bitdefender is known for its high detection rates and minimal impact on system performance. They offer special pricing for nonprofits, making enterprise-level endpoint security accessible and affordable for organizations of all sizes, protecting devices both in the office and in the field.

Core Strength: Top-tier endpoint protection with a high detection rate and centralized, user-friendly management.

Best For: Organizations needing robust, easy-to-manage protection for all their computers and servers.

Pro Tip: Regularly review the console's risk management report to identify and patch software vulnerabilities proactively.

KnowBe4

Security Awareness Training

With human error being a factor in most data breaches, training your team is one of the most effective security investments you can make. KnowBe4 is the leading platform for security awareness training and simulated phishing attacks. It helps employees recognize and report phishing emails, social engineering tactics, and other common threats. The platform provides a library of training modules and allows you to run safe, simulated phishing campaigns to test your team's awareness. This data-driven approach helps build a strong "human firewall" as your last line of defense.

Core Strength: Comprehensive, engaging security awareness training that measurably reduces user-related security risks.

Best For: Nonprofits focused on mitigating human error and building a security-conscious culture.

Pro Tip: Start with a baseline phishing test to measure your organization's initial risk level before training.

TechSoup

Discounted Software Marketplace

TechSoup is an essential resource for any nonprofit. It's a marketplace that connects verified nonprofits with technology donations and discounts from over 100 corporate and nonprofit partners. While not a direct security provider, TechSoup is the gateway to accessing many of the best security tools—from Bitdefender antivirus to Cisco networking gear—at a fraction of their retail cost. By validating your nonprofit status through their platform, you unlock access to a vast catalog of affordable technology solutions, making it possible to build a robust security stack on a limited budget.

Core Strength: A centralized marketplace for accessing deeply discounted and donated technology products for nonprofits.

Best For: All nonprofits looking to acquire software and hardware affordably from a wide range of vendors.

Pro Tip: Check TechSoup first before purchasing any new software or hardware to maximize your budget.

Cisco Umbrella

DNS & Web Security

Cisco Umbrella provides a first line of defense against internet threats by blocking malicious requests before they reach your network or endpoints. It operates at the DNS layer, meaning it can protect any device on your network without requiring software installation on every machine. This makes it a simple yet powerful way to prevent users from accessing phishing sites, malware domains, and command-and-control servers. Cisco offers special pricing for nonprofits, providing an easy-to-deploy solution that adds a critical layer of security with minimal administrative overhead.

Core Strength: Simple, effective, and broad protection against internet threats by filtering malicious web traffic.

Best For: Organizations wanting to add a foundational layer of security that protects all network-connected devices.

Pro Tip: Use its content filtering features to enforce acceptable use policies and block non-work-related sites.

Okta for Nonprofits

Identity & Access Management

Securing user identities is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity. Okta is a leading identity management platform that provides single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect applications and data. The Okta for Nonprofits program offers eligible organizations 50 free licenses for all its Workforce Identity products. This allows nonprofits to implement strong MFA, centralize user access controls, and simplify the login process for employees and volunteers. By securing the "front door" to your cloud applications, Okta dramatically reduces the risk of account takeovers from stolen credentials.

Core Strength: Robust, free identity and access management tools to secure cloud applications with MFA.

Best For: Nonprofits using multiple cloud applications that need to centralize and secure user access.

Pro Tip: Prioritize deploying MFA on email and financial systems first for the biggest immediate security impact.

CrowdStrike Falcon

Next-Generation Endpoint Protection

For nonprofits handling extremely sensitive data or facing higher risks, CrowdStrike offers advanced, next-generation endpoint protection. Its Falcon platform uses artificial intelligence and behavioral analysis to detect and stop sophisticated threats that traditional antivirus might miss, including fileless malware and zero-day exploits. It's a cloud-native solution, making it lightweight and easy to deploy across a distributed workforce. CrowdStrike has a social impact program that can provide access to its technology for eligible nonprofits, bringing top-tier threat detection within reach for mission-driven organizations.

Core Strength: AI-powered threat detection for stopping advanced and previously unknown cyberattacks.

Best For: Organizations with high-risk data that require more advanced endpoint detection and response capabilities.

Pro Tip: Use the Falcon platform's visibility tools to understand attack patterns and strengthen your overall security posture.

NTEN (Nonprofit Technology Network)

Community & Educational Resources

NTEN is a membership organization of nonprofit professionals who put technology to use for their causes. While not a software provider, it's an invaluable resource for education, community support, and best practices in nonprofit technology and cybersecurity. NTEN offers webinars, research reports, online courses, and a vibrant community forum where you can ask questions and learn from your peers. For nonprofit leaders tasked with making technology decisions without a formal IT background, NTEN provides the knowledge and network needed to navigate challenges and implement effective strategies.

Core Strength: A community-driven resource for education, best practices, and peer support in nonprofit technology.

Best For: Nonprofit staff and leaders responsible for technology decisions who want to learn and connect with peers.

Pro Tip: Attend their annual Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) for deep-dive sessions on security and IT strategy.

Our Process

We make it simple to get the comprehensive IT and security support your organization needs. Our process is designed to be clear, efficient, and focused on your specific goals.

1. Submit your IT needs through our quick online form.
2. Get a consultation to match the right plan for your team size and goals.
3. Receive a flat-fee managed IT plan covering cybersecurity, support, connectivity, and cost management.
4. Onboard quickly with certified experts, a 24/7 help desk, and ongoing technology support.

Why Choose Cortavo?

Cortavo delivers peace of mind by combining all your IT needs into one predictable, managed service. We act as your strategic partner, ensuring your technology empowers your mission.

• Seamless IT management for onsite, hybrid, and remote workplaces.
• Transparent, flat-fee plans with predictable costs.
• Comprehensive services: cybersecurity, help desk, connectivity, hardware, and cost management.
• Peace of mind: recognized as a top managed service provider by G2, Cloudtango, and Clutch.

Secure Your Mission with a Proactive Partner

While nonprofit budgets will always be a primary concern, the cost of inaction on cybersecurity far outweighs the investment in proactive protection. A single data breach can lead to devastating financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption that directly impacts your ability to serve your community. Fortunately, effective and affordable solutions are within reach. Whether through a comprehensive managed service, specialized software tools, or discounted nonprofit programs, you can build a strong security posture. Taking the next step to evaluate your needs and explore a managed solution is a critical investment in your mission’s future. A strategic approach to cybersecurity for nonprofits ensures your organization remains resilient and focused on its goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions