The FAMCare Blog

More work is being done online in this digital age, which raises the danger of data theft and privacy violations. When information is accessed or disclosed without authority, privacy violations occur. Given that the majority of NGO's rely on donations and regularly need to analyze and preserve financial records, any NGO may be at danger of data theft or breach. Workers in social services must assess the possibility of data theft and make every effort to prevent it.

It is impossible to overestimate the significance of information security in non-profit organizations. Businesses must take the necessary precautions to secure their sensitive data against unauthorized access and security breaches.

Nonprofits require secure case management software and a trustworthy social workspace in which they can store their relevant data, as well as the data acquired from the clients they help.

Here are a few pointers on the importance of information security for nonprofits.

Maintaining data security is a top priority for nonprofits for a variety of reasons.

Non-profits are typically associated with a variety of donors, and the relationship that a non-profit has with them is delicate. As a result, protecting their personal information is a top priority for any organization.

Furthermore, non-profits, such as those that handle human services cases, typically deal with a number of cases involving people or youth in vulnerable situations. As a result, having their personal information compromised or stolen is simply unacceptable. A data breach would directly contradict the non-primary profit's goal, which is to protect the vulnerable. Here are a few easy ways non-profits can protect their data.

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.

A caseworker’s job consists of many facets: assessing client needs, home visits, evaluations, reporting, listening to concerns, problem solving, providing referrals and the list goes on. While wanting to collaborate with coworkers and the community on projects is always the goal, the ability to do so can often be hindered by a caseworker’s workload. Fortunately, with the right case management software in place, increased collaboration can be possible.

Safeguarding your clients’ privacy is something that must be taken seriously, regardless of your industry. Ensuring your caseworkers receive the proper Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance training is necessary not only to protect the clients, but to protect your organization.

Looking for the right case management software can be a challenge for anyone in the nonprofit sector. After all, there are so many choices and few that actually address the needs of a human services agency at a price that is affordable. When looking, it is tempting to simply look at the price tag first and then see what the software can accomplish. "What can I get for the money...?" while an important question is probably not the most important... at least when starting off.

Social work is not immune to the ethical issues introduced by the ubiquitous presence of new technology. The use of laptops, tablets, and cellphones outside the safety and security of the office environment, connecting to public Wi-Fi, “liking” posts on Facebook, tracking hashtags on Twitter, sending messages via Snapchat, and pinning pictures on Pinterest all engage a vastly more efficient, but less secure communication environment. Given the nature of the duties social workers are engaged in, their involvement with vulnerable populations, and the trust they seek to establish with their clients, the need for expert guidance in how to navigate this terrain is extremely important.