The FAMCare Blog

Keeping data secure is a top priority for non-profits and there are several reasons for this.

Non-profits are usually associated with various donors, and the relationship a non-profit has with them is a sensitive one. Protecting their personal information therefore is a priority for any organization.  

Additionally, and most important, many non-profits in the human services field handle adults and juveniles in very vulnerable situations. Therefore, their personal information getting compromised or stolen is simply not acceptable. A breach of data would directly contradict the primary purpose of the non-profit, which is to protect the vulnerable.

Here are a few simple ways non-profits can secure their data.

Employees Should Be Mindful About Protecting Mobile Devices and Their Data

For caseworkers working in non-profits, a good chunk of their time is spent away from their desks. They could be attending meetings or making home visits. Whatever the reason, many of them will require remote access to the case management system to make case notes and to retrieve forms.

But securing mobile devices can take extra effort. For starters, employees need to protect their passwords using MFA and other strategies. Moreover, encryption software is worth considering for email security, and the permission settings on mobile devices should also be reviewed to ensure no one can hack and track the device’s location or access the calendar or other important information.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication to Protect Passwords

The larger your scale of operation is, the more essential multi-factor authentication becomes. Multi-factor authentication is basically a process in which a user has to go through a two-step verification process when accessing a system.

Typically, this would involve the employee or caseworkers inputting a username and password—which is the usual process. But then the system would ask for more information like a one-time security code received on phone or email or a specific ID card number.

MFA is used extensively across organizations because it’s pretty cost-effective and easy to navigate through for employees.

Have A Clear Plan of Action for Data Security

In general, a non-profit will need to make data security a priority and take steps accordingly. This means training staff and volunteers in best practices for securing data and educating them on possible risks. Non-profits should also take the time to educate their employees on HIPAA compliance and the course of action in case any data is compromised.

As developers of human services software for non-profits and government agencies we, as a company, insist our all of our employee’s take part in companywide ongoing security program.

When your choosing a non-profit software make sure you pick a secure, HIPAA-compliant software. You want to make sure that your case management software is equipped with the best tools to keep your non-profit data secure.

Global Vision Technologies the developer of FAMCare, a nonprofit case management software, has been helping agencies improve their efficiency for over 20 years.  To find out our Unique Advantages click here.