July 3, 2013
Protecting confidential data has never been more important for nonprofits that have the ability to store donor and employee information in the cloud. Data protection has long been a reason organizations have been fearful of migrating to a virtual infrastructure, but recent research from information systems and communications security provider Thales found more entities are storing information in the cloud.
In fact, more than half of respondents currently migrate sensitive or confidential data to the cloud, an increase of 10 percent when compared to a similar study last year. Furthermore, 35 percent of organizations claim the use of the cloud has decreased their security infrastructure. With all types of private information stored in their cloud environment, nonprofits should ensure that they have the necessary protections to ensure cybercriminals and hackers cannot access their cloud.
"Staying in control of sensitive or confidential data is paramount for most organizations today and yet our survey shows they are transferring ever more of their most valuable data assets to the cloud," said Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute.
Nonprofits can benefit from encryption
In many instances, it is imperative that only authorized users are able to decipher the information held in a cloud environment. According to TechTarget, this is exactly why nonprofits should utilize encryption to protect their confidential information. During the encryption process, data is turned into ciphertext, which is nearly impossible to figure out without decryption. By having this security protection in place, nonprofits can be much more confident in their cybersecurity defense.
"Encryption is the most widely proven and accepted method to secure sensitive data both within the enterprise and the cloud, but it's no silver bullet," said Richard Moulds, vice president strategy for Thales e-Security. "Decisions still need to be taken over where encryption is performed and critically, who controls the keys."
Encrypt data data transferring to the cloud
The research revealed organizations don't wait until data is entered in the cloud to encrypt the information, making it even more difficult for cybercriminals to decipher. Encryption before cloud placement is a strategy that organizations used 33 percent more than waiting until information is stored in the virtual infrastructure. With data security as a priority, sensitive information has a better chance of being safe in the cloud.
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Working with Marshal Whittey at First Nonprofit has been a great experience. He handles our request as a priority and goes above and beyond to resolve any issues we have in a timely manner. Marshall follows through to the end and ensures our needs are met. He has been a great resource for LSC and our “go to” for any tax questions we may have. With LSC transitioning several facilities into one federal tax identification number, First Nonprofit was able to assist and provide guidance with best practices resolving claims to each entity. Additionally First Nonprofit provided knowledge (information materials) and one on one training to HRS group with best practices to handle claims state adjudicated, fraudulent claims, and appeals. And processing information in the First Nonprofit [unemployment claims] system allows for timely information can be collected.
My experience with FNP has been wonderful. Unemployment in general is quite confusing and FNP has simplified the process for us. Everyone we have reached out to or worked with has been very helpful and follows up to be sure we understand the information. I am so happy we made the switch to FNP!
First Nonprofit smoothed the unemployment perils for our organization during Covid. Without the ability to cap our UI exposure, we would not have been able to weather the storm. The program worked perfectly and we have come out of the pandemic ready to forge on. Thanks FNP!
My experience with the FNP has been fantastic. The idea of setting funds aside for the unemployment tax liability is a bedrock for nonprofit organizations like mine, namely ASHBA; what is even more advantageous is having the FNP as a custodian of those funds. 100% recommended!
I would like to comment on my experience with FNP….to date our District has saved $1,000’s of dollars by being enrolled in the First Nonprofit program. My only regret is that we did not know about this method of paying unemployment tax years ago….as I had figured about five years
ago, had we enrolled 15-20 years ago, we could have saved our small school district upwards of $500,000 in payments to IDES. Also we would have had a pretty hefty sum of money in our Reserve Account. Thankfully I attended a workshop hosted by First Nonprofit back in 2015 which got the ball rolling!
I have worked with the First Non-Profit Team for many years, and I appreciate the quick response and care that Cecilia and the team provides anytime I have questions. While there are other providers that may provide like services, First Nonprofit will always be my first choice! I appreciate you!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!