Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative Provides Cyber Tools for Nonprofits

Special thanks to today’s guest blogger, Eli Koopman!

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is a critical concern for all organizations, including nonprofits which often operate with limited budgets and cybersecurity expertise. Recognizing these challenges, the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) has highlighted a suite of tools specifically designed to empower these resource-constrained organizations by improving their security posture, as outlined by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for high-risk communities in 2024 (CISA, High-risk communities 2024).

What resources have been released

CISA, through JCDC, introduced Project Upskill. Project Upskill comprises learning modules aimed at educating nonprofits and similar organizations about fundamental cybersecurity practices. While these modules do not address all potential cybersecurity risks, they provide a solid starting point for resource-limited individuals and groups seeking to enhance their security knowledge and practices.

Additionally, CISA has curated a comprehensive webpage dedicated to cyber resources, available for both individuals and businesses to explore and use as needed (CISA, 2024). These resources are categorized into three distinct sections:

1. Free customized tools to assess and mitigate risk: This category includes Project Upskill, offering tools and guides to help organizations assess their cybersecurity risks effectively.
2. Helplines and communities: Resources in this section assist high-risk organizations or individuals by providing support mechanisms to protect their cyber assets in times of potential compromise.
3. Tools and services to strengthen cyber defenses: The final section details free or low-cost services aimed at fortifying the cybersecurity of organizations considered to be at higher risk.

Highlight on collaboration and volunteerism

The final notable resource is the collaboration between CISA and volunteers, highlighted on CISA’s cyber volunteer page. The program “enlists the expertise of unpaid volunteers or student interns to deliver cybersecurity services to under-resourced, high-risk communities, such as civil society organizations, either for free or at significantly reduced costs.” (Cyber Volunteer Resource Center: CISA 2024). These volunteers are crucial in providing ongoing training and knowledge-sharing opportunities, helping to close the knowledge and resource gaps in communities most in need.

How we can help

CLA’s cybersecurity team has years of experience performing cyber risk assessments, ransomware preparedness reviews, and custom testing. Please contact us for help assessing and mitigating your risk for a cyberattack.

Resources

High-risk communities. High-Risk Communities | Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. (n.d.). https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/high-risk-communities  

CISA. (n.d.). Cybersecurity resources for high-risk communities: CISA. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/high-risk-communities/cybersecurity-resources-high-risk-communities  

Cyber Volunteer Resource Center: CISA. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency CISA. (n.d.). https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/high-risk-communities/cybervolunteerresourcecenter?utm_source=National_Council_of_Nonprofits&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=JCDC