What do you do when you have a very precious asset? Surely, you keep it with all possible care, don't you? Our practice regarding digital data should be the same. Speaking of the subject, how to ensure information security in NGOs?

First of all, it is important to use the right tools. But before that, you need to understand what information we are talking about. Only then can you resort to good security practices — both those used by non-governmental organizations and by non-profit institutions.

Stay on top of this important topic!

How does information security impact society?

Have you noticed how we use digital means to do almost everything nowadays? We pay bills, shop online, talk to other people, subscribe to services, keep our documents, and so on. The same happens in companies and third sector organizations — only in a larger volume, since there is much more information exchange between internal and external audiences.

All exchanges involve important data, many of which are extremely personal. In other words, they cannot fall into the wrong hands. To make this clearer, think about the context of an NGO. There is information about partners, assisted individuals, financial transactions, projects, among many others.

With all this data circulating among people — even more so in a scenario of technological and internet expansion —, digital security has become an urgent concern. It is no wonder that public and private institutions need to have a lot of responsibility when dealing with this issue.

The subject is so serious that there is even a regulation, the General Data Protection Law (LGPD). It determines very specific rules for the collection, storage, and processing of personal information under the custody of companies. Although it has not yet come into full force globally, it can serve as inspiration and a warning for NGOs and non-governmental organizations.

How to ensure information security in NGOs?

If partners and the people served by or interested in your institution physicalize their personal data to it, they need to be protected. After all, transparency and trust are at stake, wouldn't you agree? Any carelessness can tarnish your image and compromise your projects.

Next, we explain how to ensure information security in NGOs with some important practices. Check it out!

Create a protection policy

First, it is interesting to adopt your own data protection policy. It can be based on the LGPD — as we have already mentioned —, but adapted to the reality of your institution. When the organization does this, everyone involved in handling data is obligated to follow the rules responsibly.

Invest in technology

Another important step to ensure security is investing in technology. Programs like antivirus, which block cybercrimes, are mandatory. But it is also possible to adopt resources such as cloud computing and the creation of access keys for authorized individuals — a tool known as encryption.

Train employees and volunteers

Something also fundamental is investing in the training of employees, volunteers, and others involved in handling data obtained by the institution. They need to be aware and updated on good information security practices, so they do not go against the established policies.

Having a mindset focused on data protection should be a requirement for anyone working in the third sector, thus preventing human resources from being a loophole in security. Social engineering attacks target people to carry out data theft. Actions like cell phone cloning, downloading malicious files and apps, opening emails, and fake news are issues that happen at an individual level but can directly or indirectly affect the organization.

The people involved in the institution should be guided on good practices such as:

• Using antivirus and conducting periodic scans;

• Not providing personal or corporate information outside the criteria of the internal policy;

• Knowing how to identify malicious emails, websites, applications, and files;

• Paying attention to suspicious conversations, whether through social media or phone;

• Preventing confidential institution information from being handled on personal devices.

Leave security in the hands of specialists

Finally, you need to know that there are several companies specialized in digital data security. Let's agree, the subject is delicate and deserves to be treated with a lot of attention. Therefore, it is more prudent to leave it in the hands of professionals in the field, right?

Now you know what to do to ensure information security in NGOs. As you can see, it is not impossible to do, but it is of utmost importance. It is a responsibility that organizations like yours must have. Therefore, invest in it!

Want to make sure that all the technologies used by your NGO will guarantee the security of partner and beneficiary data? Then, contact Codebit to acquire secure solutions that transform lives!

Instead of lives!