A recent survey conducted by UK based organizations which are into charity and philanthropic activities have confirmed that most of these organizations are vulnerable to cyber attacks. This report quotes that charities are at risk because they lack basic cyber defenses which are needed in today’s digital world and are often found to outsource such services to impetuous IT providers.
Matthew Hancock, the digital minister of UK endorsed the report as true and urged all organizations involved in charity to up their ante against cyber attacks. He added that if organizations fail to do so, then they are on the verge of losing funds or sensitive data which could affect charity’s ability to help those in needs and can thus damage their precious reputation.
In June this year, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport conducted a survey on organizations which are into charity. The report which was also sponsored by Charity Commission for England and Wales confirms that more than two-thirds of Britain’s biggest charitable organizations are failing to follow certain cyber protections guidelines in protecting sensitive info of the donors. It is said that some organizations have completely ignored this issue to the core. While some have failed to do a follow up on the IT service providers to who they have assigned the task of protecting data.
Hancock says that Charity based organizations operating in Britain have a long way to go until a point where all organizations start adopting best practices which help protect against cyber attacks.
Matthew Hancock is urging all the senior executives of these organizations to work with the National Cyber Security Center and take up the Government’s advice and training.
Hope, all those UK based organizations which are into Charity are listening to the call!
