A successful cyberattack can disrupt operations, affect the reliability and integrity of financial information, compromise sensitive information, damage public trust, and potentially create significant financial losses. Implementing the following practices can help organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of a successful cyberattack.
Train Employees and Other System Users on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Regular training should address phishing emails, suspicious links, social engineering tactics, password security, and proper handling of sensitive information. Organizations should establish policies that define acceptable use of technology, procedures for handling confidential data, and consequences for policy violations. Software installations should be restricted to authorized personnel, and all users should understand their role in protecting organizational assets.
Keep Systems Updated and Protected
Install reputable antivirus and endpoint protection software and configure automatic updates and routine scans. Organizations should also implement a process that ensures critical updates and the latest security patches are applied promptly across all devices.
Control Access to Technology Assets
Laptops, tablets, and mobile devices containing organizational information should be secured when not in use. Each individual should have a unique user account, and administrative privileges should be limited to authorized personnel. Organizations should periodically review user access rights, especially when personnel change roles or leave the organization. Strong access controls are particularly important for accounting software, payroll systems, online banking platforms, and donor management applications.
Strengthen Network Security
Ensure firewall protection is enabled and properly configured on both office and remote work environments. Organizations with remote staff or hybrid work arrangements should establish security standards for home networks and devices used to access company systems.
Implement Reliable Data Backup Procedures
Important files such as accounting records, payroll information, donor databases, accounts receivable and payable records, employee files, and organizational documents should be backed up automatically. Backups should be performed frequently, tested periodically, and stored securely offsite or in a protected cloud environment. Maintaining secure backups can significantly reduce the impact of ransomware attacks and other data-loss events.
Secure Wireless Networks
Wireless networks should utilize strong encryption and password protection. Default router credentials should be changed immediately, and administrative access should be restricted. Guest wireless networks should be separated from internal organizational systems whenever possible.
Require Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
Multifactor authentication adds an additional layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more forms of verification before gaining access to a system. MFA should be enabled for email accounts, cloud-based accounting systems, payroll platforms, online banking, donor management systems, and any application containing sensitive organizational information.
Weak cybersecurity controls can increase the risk of financial misstatements, fraudulent transactions, payroll diversion schemes, vendor payment fraud, and unauthorized access to donor or customer information. Even organizations that implement strong preventive measures remain vulnerable to evolving threats. Cybercriminals continually develop new methods involving phishing, ransomware, malware, spyware, business email compromise, and social engineering attacks. Business owners, not-for-profit executives, church leaders, and governing boards should regularly assess cybersecurity risks and update their response plans. Periodic risk assessments conducted by qualified IT and cybersecurity professionals can help identify vulnerabilities before they become costly incidents.
Whether your organization is a small business, church, or not-for-profit, effective cybersecurity controls are increasingly important not only for protecting data but also for demonstrating strong internal controls, supporting successful audits and reviews, safeguarding donor and customer information, and maintaining confidence among stakeholders. Investing in cybersecurity today can help prevent operational disruptions, financial losses, and reputational damage in the future.
Original content by the PSK LLP. This information is provided with the understanding that Payroll Partners is not rendering legal, human resources, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from a lawyer, HR consultant or other professional.
