Enhancing the cybersecurity readiness of non-profit organizations (NPOs) in Pennsylvania
Research Poster Engineering 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Anivesh Sinha
Exhibition Number 5
Abstract
Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) play a crucial role in fostering community resilience and equity, addressing essential needs such as food security, education, and healthcare. With over 1.3 million NPOs operating in the United States, employing approximately 12.3 million individuals, these organizations are instrumental in driving both social impact and economic growth. However, despite their importance, many NPOs find themselves at a critical juncture regarding cybersecurity preparedness. They manage a wealth of sensitive information, including donor details, health records, and financial data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. The research aims to offer actionable guidance that NPOs can implement within their resource constraints to enhance their cybersecurity posture. This research does so by making several key contributions: (i) it identifies the top cybersecurity risks faced by nonprofits, their impact on service delivery, and the methods used to detect and mitigate these risks; (ii) it summarizes affordable cybersecurity practices that nonprofits with limited resources can adopt, with a particular focus on employee training, and explores how knowledge gaps vary across nonprofit sectors; (iii) it examines the factors influencing cybersecurity readiness in nonprofits, such as location (urban vs. rural), budget constraints, and IT expertise, while considering the role of cyber insurance and third-party agreements in shaping security measures; and (iv) it establishes approaches for nonprofits to assess their cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.
Importance
Nonprofit organizations (NPOs) play a crucial role in fostering community resilience and equity, addressing essential needs such as food security, education, and healthcare. With over 1.3 million NPOs operating in the United States, employing approximately 12.3 million individuals, these organizations are instrumental in driving both social impact and economic growth. However, despite their importance, many NPOs find themselves at a critical juncture regarding cybersecurity preparedness. They manage a wealth of sensitive information, including donor details, health records, and financial data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals.