Let’s face it — in the middle of fundraising, grant writing, and making sure your programs stay afloat, the last thing you want to worry about is cybersecurity. But here’s the hard truth: if you're leading a nonprofit in Los Angeles, cybersecurity can no longer live at the bottom of your to-do list. Too much is at stake — your donor trust, your client data, your entire mission.
There are some myths floating around out there, and while they might seem harmless, believing them could leave your organization vulnerable. Let’s clear them up, one by one — and don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple.
Myth #1: “No one would bother attacking a nonprofit like ours.”
I wish this were true — but it’s not. Cybercriminals target nonprofits because they know many are under-protected. They see organizations like yours — doing big things with small budgets — as easy prey.
In fact, 80% of organizations experience some form of cyberattack. The cost? Globally, over $9.5 trillion. One ransomware attack could wipe out years of donor data or disrupt your programs when families are depending on you most.
So yes — it can happen to your organization. But it doesn’t have to.
Myth #2: “We’ve never had a breach before, so we must be fine.”
I hear this often, and I understand the logic. But technology — and the threats that come with it — change fast. What protected you last year might be outdated today.
Hackers are constantly finding new ways in. If your cybersecurity plan is standing still, you’re actually falling behind. The only way to stay safe is to keep moving forward — just like your mission.
Myth #3: “We already took care of cybersecurity last year.”
Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time project — it’s a living system. Every new staff member, laptop, or cloud tool shifts the ground under your feet. That means new doors could be opening for attackers, even if unintentionally.
Ongoing monitoring and proactive updates are what keep you protected. If your IT partner isn’t checking in regularly, it’s time to ask why.
Myth #4: “Cybersecurity slows everything down.”
In the past, that might’ve been true. But today? A secure system is a faster system. One that doesn’t crash in the middle of a grant deadline. One that doesn’t freeze during your annual gala’s livestream.
Good cybersecurity makes your technology work better, not slower. And let’s be honest — if your systems are already dragging, it’s probably not because of the security.
Myth #5: “Strong passwords are enough.”
We all try. But when you’ve got dozens of systems — donor databases, email accounts, laptops shared by volunteers — it’s just not realistic to rely on passwords alone.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA), password managers, and secure backups are now must-haves. And even those only go so far if no one is monitoring for threats behind the scenes.
That's why so many Los Angeles nonprofits are turning to Managed Service Providers (MSPs) — to protect their mission without burning out their staff.
Let’s Make This Simple: Cybersecurity Is Capacity-Building.
I know technology can feel like overhead — like it’s stealing money away from your programs. But here’s a mindset shift that might help:
A secure, stable IT system is what allows you to deliver your programs in the first place.
It’s what keeps your client data safe, your donor records intact, your virtual team connected, and your board confident.
Looking for Peace of Mind? Let's Talk.
If your nonprofit needs a trusted technology partner who speaks your language and understands the world you’re operating in, we’re here.
Let’s start with a FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call — no pressure, no jargon, just a real conversation about where your risks are and what it would take to feel truly protected.
📞 Call us at 310-695-2199
📅 Or click here to schedule your call
You’ve got more important things to focus on — we’ll handle this part.
