In order to function as a unit board members of nonprofit organizations must have tools that allow for communication. They frequently deal with sensitive information that could be a catastrophe if it falls into the wrong hands, and must be kept confidential. Despite the widespread adoption of digital communications such as email, texting and messaging apps, they aren’t secure enough for board business and leave boards vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Nonprofit board members are volunteers who bring a range of knowledge, skills, and experience to their role. They also have other jobs or careers. Being juggling these multiple commitments and obligations, however, can make it difficult for them to maintain regular contact with one another.
The good news is that the right technology can make a difference. The integration of a chat, messaging and collaboration platform with a board management program or a document management system can reduce the time spent, preventing duplicates and data loss. It also provides protection against cyberattacks and protect confidential conversations and documents.
Volunteer board members typically have access to highly sensitive data. Hackers target them through ransomware or phishing attacks in which they threat to release sensitive information without payment unless a specific amount is paid. A board may also face regulatory repercussions or diminished confidence in sensitive documents if they are accidentally shared via unsecure channels like email or mobile devices. To prevent these issues, the ideal solution must include strict cybercheckboxes and an audit trail to protect the confidentiality and integrity of data.