In order to function as a cohesive team the board members of nonprofit organizations require tools that allow for communication. They are responsible for sensitive data which could be a disaster when it is misused and must be protected. Despite the widespread use of digital communication including email, texting, and messaging apps, they aren’t secure enough to be used in board business, making boards open to cyberattacks.
Nonprofit board members are volunteers who bring a variety of skills, knowledge and expertise to their roles. Many also have other responsibilities or careers. Being juggling these multiple obligations and responsibilities it can be difficult for them to maintain constant communication with each other.
The good news is that the right technology can help. By using chat, messaging and collaboration platform with a document management system or board management software, it will simplify the flow of information, thus preventing loss of data and duplicates. It also helps protect against cyberattacks, and protect privileged documents and conversations.
Volunteer board members are usually well-known individuals who have access highly sensitive information. Hackers target them with ransomware or phishing attacks where they threaten to release sensitive information without payment unless a specific amount is paid. In addition to these risks, a board can face consequences from regulatory authorities and lower trust if sensitive information is accidentally shared via unsecure channels like email or a personal device. To prevent these problems the best solution is to have strict cybercheckboxes and an audit trail to ensure the integrity of data.