The Growing Cyber Threat for Associations
Small and mid-sized associations operate with limited staff and rely heavily on managed service providers (MSPs) for IT support. However, many MSPs prioritize general IT management over proactive cybersecurity defenses, leaving associations vulnerable to cyber threats. With an increasing number of cyberattacks targeting nonprofit organizations, it’s critical for associations to take a hands-on approach to their cybersecurity posture.
The Limitations of MSPs in Cybersecurity
While MSPs handle IT infrastructure, they may not deploy or actively monitor advanced cybersecurity defenses. Associations often assume their MSP has security fully covered, but in reality, many essential layers of defense—such as real-time threat detection, external vulnerability assessments, and identity security audits—are missing.
What Associations Can Do
- Conduct Regular Security Audits – Reviewing configurations in M365 Entra ID ensures proper identity and access management (IAM), reducing the risk of account takeovers.
- Perform External Scans on Third-Party Systems – Associations integrate numerous third-party platforms into their AMS, many of which store sensitive member, board, and staff data. External scans can help detect vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
- Implement Proactive Security Measures – Multi-factor authentication (MFA), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and staff security awareness training should all be part of your cybersecurity strategy.
- Hold Your MSP Accountable – Ensure that your MSP follows best practices in cybersecurity and is not simply focused on IT maintenance.
By prioritizing security, associations can better protect their data, maintain compliance, and build trust with their members.
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