According to a report compiled in September 2015, the third sector generated a combined income of £39billion!* When you consider figures such as this, it becomes clear why charities are valid cyber security targets.

With threats including ‘ransomware’ where systems and data can be held hostage by hackers until a ransom fee is paid, it is vital to protect the hard earned income raised to benefit your worthy cause. Cyber attacks can be costly in both financial terms and also when it comes to disruption and reputational damage.

Here are some tips to help you ensure your systems and data remain safe and secure…

Step 1 – Understand the risks

By acknowledging potential challenges, you will be better prepared to protect your virtual assets. Many charities collect and store vast amounts of sensitive data – safeguarding this data and other confidential information is of great importance. Our experience working with charitable organisations means we understand the budgetary restraints many admirable causes face. Therefore, could you partner with a local IT company that would provide advice and assistance in return for some great PR? Many commercial organisations opt to support charities – finding one that could provide technical knowhow would be a bonus!

Step 2 – Educate your staff

Sometimes the people working within your organisation can unknowingly open the door to cyber risks. Train and advise people not to open unknown attachments or click on links that look suspicious. There are many ways to protect against the attempts of hackers and educating those with access to your IT systems is essential.

Step 3 – Protection is key

Cyber liability insurance is a form of cover that many businesses are now making a priority, as it covers personal losses as well as legal, IT security and regulatory costs that may occur to contain a data breach before a claim arises. This can provide added peace of mind and safeguards organisations should the worst happen.

Step 4 – Review, review, review

Cyber liability insurance is a form of cover that man

Sadly cyber criminals have become more and more sophisticated in their online hacking techniques. With this in mind, thinking that you’ve taken the appropriate actions and protected your organisation against future threats isn’t necessarily the case. Your IT security will need to be reviewed and assessed on a regular basis to ensure it remains as robust as possible.

If you would like to find out more about how WRS Insurance can support your charitable organisation with charity cyber liability insurance provision, please contact our specialist team today.

* https://nfpsynergy.net/free-report/facts-and-figures-uk-charity-sector

Infographic provided by Markel International

Do you find it difficult finding new ways to advertise your charity in a cost-effective way?  Here at specialist charity insurance brokers WRS Insurance we appreciate how important every penny is to charitable organisations. That’s why we’ve put together 5 marketing tips you’ll LOVE..

Whether you work or volunteer for a charitable organisation, you’ll know how crucial marketing your products, services or events can be. Marketing can be a costly activity but there are plenty of ways to market your cause that won’t cost the earth.

1) Use every inch

If you have premises with a shop front or passing traffic then don’t waste an inch of your window display or frontage. Keeping displays fresh and appealing can make a massive difference to the amount of people that venture in. Utilise A-boards and signage space to entice people into your shop. Special offers, seasonal displays, handing out leaflets – anything you can think of that show people what you have to offer and catch their interest!

2) Get sociable on social media

There are now so many social media platforms available to businesses, many of which are free! Having a social media presence can be beneficial for spreading brand awareness and just a few minutes a week can have a huge impact on building new relationships. You can create events, fundraising pages, groups and so much more! Everyone loves a good news story – show people why you need to raise funds but don’t forget to also show people the results that your charity achieves thanks to people’s generosity. Social media can provide a great central communication tool for volunteers and help to drive traffic to your website too.

3) Round up your volunteers….

Are your volunteers adding as much value to your organisation as possible? Do you know their individual skill-sets? For example, if you have a graphic designer in your mists, why not ask them to design your leaflets rather than deliver them. Use your volunteers wisely – the more the merrier isn’t always the case; instead make the best possible use of an effective team!

4) Source corporate partners

There are now so many social media platforms available to businesses, many of which are free! Having a social Every year, many businesses commit to raising funds for their nominated Charity of the Year. Contact companies that may complement your charity’s vision or target local organisations that could also benefit from some PR and news coverage close to home. It’s a positive move for corporate organisations to support a worthy cause, so prepare a plan detailing how partnering with your charity would be a mutually beneficial decision, resulting in a great relationship.

5) Court your local media….

If your local press doesn’t know you exist then they can’t offer you any exposure or support. Keep in touch with your local newspapers and publications – invite them to attend your events, send them your newsletters and keep them posted regarding your fundraising targets and achievements. Free media coverage isn’t always easy to achieve, but you’ve got to be in it to win it, so keep in touch!

At WRS Insurance, we specialise in supporting the third sector with ethical insurance provision. If you require event insurance, building and contents insurance, public liability insurance, vehicle insurance or any other type of cover, contact our specialist team today.