How Can Nonprofits Stop a Ransomware Attack in Just 24 Hours?

Cybercrime is exploding and nonprofits are increasingly on the hit list. Hackers know many community organizations run on small budgets with little IT support, which makes them easy targets for ransomware attacks.  

You don’t need months of planning or a big tech budget, just 24 focused hours to cut your risk and protect your mission. 

How to stop a ransomware attack

Bonus Step: Share With Your Board 

Most boards don’t ask about cybersecurity until after a problem. Send them a one-page update on what you’ve done. This builds trust and may even attract support for further upgrades.  

Why the Clock Is Ticking 

Recent ransomware cases in the U.S. show how quickly nonprofits can be thrown off track: 

• In July, a series of ransomware attacks shut down hospitals and health nonprofits, cutting patients off from records. 

• Education groups reported spikes in summer attacks, forcing after-school programs to pause. 

• Community service nonprofits have had donor databases stolen and sold online. 

According to the FBI’s 2024 Internet Crime Report, ransomware complaints rose by 18% last year, and recovery costs often exceed $1 million for nonprofits and small businesses. 

The takeaway: Hackers won’t wait. If you plan to “deal with it later,” you’re already behind. 

Why Should It Matter Now 

Nonprofits can’t afford downtime. An attack could stop food deliveries, cancel a clinic, or delay scholarships. Worse, a breach of donor data could damage your reputation for years. 

Taking one day to reset your defenses is like buying insurance: it won’t prevent every attack, but it makes you a much harder target and hackers usually move on to easier prey.  

Quick Quiz: Is Your Nonprofit a Ransomware Target? 

Answer yes or no: 

1. We haven’t updated passwords in over a year. 

2. MFA (two-step login) isn’t turned on for donor or email systems. 

3. Only one person knows how to restore backups. 

4. We’ve never done staff training on spotting phishing emails. 

If you answered “yes” to 2 or more, your organization is at high risk. Use the checklist above today.  

Summary 

You don’t need a tech degree to protect your nonprofit. With 24 hours of focus you can build stronger defenses, protect your donors, and keep your mission moving forward. 

Want help making your nonprofit stronger and more secure? Connect with The CLASS Consulting Group today, let’s protect your mission and unlock new opportunities together.