Threat Sketch, with Funding and Support from the Department of Homeland Security, Releases Nonprofit Cybersecurity Guide

New guide specifically helps nonprofits prevent and prepare for cyber attack

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Jun 26, 2018, 08:40 ET

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C., June 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Threat Sketch, a cybersecurity firm specializing in small business support, announces the release of The Nonprofit Guide to Cybersecurity, developed with funding and support provided by the U. S. Department of Homeland Security, National Protection and Programs Directorate. Funds are awarded through the National Infrastructure Protection Plan Security & Resilience Challenge, which is implemented by The National Institute for Hometown Security (NIHS). The Nonprofit Guide to Cybersecurity will provide important information about cybersecurity specifically to the nonprofit sector.

Cyber attacks are a threat to any organization, no matter how large or small, or whether they're for-profit or not. Unfortunately, many nonprofit organizations don't have the resources to access and implement rigorous cybersecurity plans and tools, leaving the organizations vulnerable to attack. In addition, certain aspects of cybersecurity are unique to nonprofits, such as large databases of donors, beneficiaries and volunteers.

"We saw a gap in the information on cybersecurity prevention and preparedness when it came to nonprofits, and with this guide, we are working to close that gap," said Rob Arnold, founder and CEO of Threat Sketch. "Building on our previous work in cybersecurity, and with the support of our contract with NIHS and DHS, we were able to adapt our methods and integrate new research and data to come up with a guide that serves the nonprofit sector's specific needs."

The Nonprofit Guide to Cybersecurity provides an overview of the risk landscape as it pertains to nonprofits, and then gives specific steps to help prevent and prepare for a cyber attack. The guide outlines the role of executive in managing cyber risk, how to assemble a team, and how to make organizations more resilient by balancing preparedness and prevention in their approach.

The guide also includes an executive level explanation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The framework serves as a guideline in creating a cybersecurity plan, as well as a reference manual that points to external resources that contain more detail.

"This guide serves as the first part of our larger nonprofit cybersecurity toolkit, which will provide a host of information on cybersecurity geared specifically to the nonprofit sector," Arnold said.

About Threat Sketch -- Founded in 2015 in Winston-Salem, NC, Threat Sketch provides tools that enable small business owners and executives to evaluate and manage cybersecurity at a strategic level. The founders bring decades of IT, cybersecurity, risk analysis, financial/economic, and project management experience and expertise to a wide variety of small business clients. To learn more call 844-487-4757 or visit threatsketch.com.