Why Charities Are Prime Targets for Cybercrime

Think your charity’s too small to be hacked? Think again. 


Cyber criminals don’t discriminate. In fact, they often target non-profits because they believe they’ll be under-protected. And sadly, they’re often right. 


Small teams, tight budgets, and older systems make charities an ideal entry point for attackers looking to steal data, exploit weak defences, or demand ransom. From phishing emails to full-blown breaches, the threats are real—and growing. 

But there’s good news: most cyber-attacks are preventable. And protecting your organisation doesn’t need to be expensive or overwhelming. 


Why Non-Profits Are Vulnerable 

You might not have millions in the bank. But the data your charity holds is extremely valuable. Donor information. Payment details. Staff and volunteer records. Sensitive service user data. To a hacker, that’s a goldmine. 


Here are four reasons why charities are often seen as easy targets: 


1. High-value data 

Even small organisations collect personal, financial, and health-related data. If stolen or leaked, this data can be sold or used for identity theft. 


2. Limited cyber training 

Most charity staff and volunteers aren’t IT professionals. They’re focused on service delivery—not phishing detection. That makes them more likely to click on malicious links or fall for fake invoices. 


3. Outdated systems 

Older laptops, unsupported operating systems, and unsecured networks create easy entry points for hackers. Without patches and updates, these systems are ticking time bombs. 


4. High-pressure environments 

Charities often operate in fast-moving, high-stakes settings. That sense of urgency can lead to snap decisions like clicking a suspicious link or responding to a fake invoice. 


Common Threats to Watch For 

The threats charities face are the same as those hitting large corporations just without the luxury of a big IT department to catch them. 


Here are the top three risks we see: 

  • Phishing scams
    Emails pretending to be from banks, suppliers, or even your own staff that trick recipients into sharing login details or downloading malware. 
  • Ransomware
    Malicious software that encrypts your systems and demands payment to restore access. If you don't have backups, your data and your operations could be lost. 
  • Data breaches
    Unauthorised access to personal or financial information. This can lead to GDPR fines, reputational damage, and the loss of donor or partner trust. 


What a Cyber Attack Could Cost Your Charity 

Cybercrime isn’t just about stolen data it’s about stolen time, credibility, and peace of mind. 

A successful attack can: 

  • Interrupt your services 
  • Force you to cancel campaigns 
  • Trigger a regulatory investigation 
  • Scare off donors and partners 
  • Cost thousands in recovery fees even if no ransom is paid 

And most devastating of all, it can damage the trust your organisation has spent years building. 


How to Protect Your Mission 

You don’t need a huge IT budget to be cyber-secure. You just need the right plan and a partner who understands your world. Start with the basics: 


Train your team 

Cybersecurity awareness is your first and best defence. Teach staff and volunteers to recognise red flags, question unusual requests, and report concerns early. 


Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) 

This adds an extra layer of protection by requiring a second step (like a text code or authenticator app) when logging in. It stops most password-based attacks cold. 


Encrypt sensitive data 

Whether it's stored in the cloud or on a laptop, encryption ensures that data remains unreadable if it falls into the wrong hands. 


Backup regularly 

Backups should be automatic, off-site, and tested. If you're hit by ransomware, a backup is your lifeline. 


Get expert support 

Partner with a trusted provider like Cranborne who can help monitor threats, patch vulnerabilities, and support your team without the jargon. 


How Cranborne Supports Charities Like Yours 

We specialise in helping non-profits strengthen their cybersecurity in ways that are realistic, scalable, and affordable. Our care-led approach means we don’t just secure systems—we protect missions. 


Here’s how we can help: 

  • Cybersecurity audits – We review your current setup and identify your biggest risks. 
  • Affordable IT improvements – We implement secure cloud storage, encrypted email, and MFA. 
  • Staff training – We deliver tailored workshops or online sessions to upskill your team. 
  • Ongoing monitoring & support – We watch your systems for threats so you don’t have to. 
  • Disaster recovery planning – If something goes wrong, we’ll help you bounce back fast. 


Whether you're a small charity with no IT team, or a larger organisation looking to tighten your security posture, we tailor our services to fit you. 

 

It’s Time to Take Cybersecurity Seriously Before You Have To 

You don’t have to do it all at once. But doing nothing? That’s a risk your charity can’t afford. 

Let us help you take the first step. No scare tactics. No tech jargon. Just clear advice, smart protection, and support you can rely on. 

Contact us

What an AI Agent Can Do for a UK Small Business

December 2, 2025
AI tools are everywhere at the moment, but for most small businesses the real question is simple: can this actually help us day to day? The answer, increasingly, is yes. AI agents are becoming a practical, affordable way for UK SMBs to lighten workloads, improve responsiveness and strengthen their cyber security without adding to headcount. Here’s what they can realistically take off your plate. Take the admin you never get time for Most small teams lose hours each week to tasks like updating spreadsheets, booking meetings, chasing invoices or sorting inbox clutter. An AI agent can handle these automatically in the background — consistently, accurately and without needing to be chased. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about giving them space to focus on the work that actually moves the business forward. Improve customer response times Customers expect fast answers, even when your team is busy or out on site. AI agents can deal with routine enquiries, provide updates, and pass more complex queries straight to the right person. You stay responsive, your team stays sane, and nothing gets forgotten in the rush. Add another layer of cyber protection Cyber threats are rising across the UK, and many of the attacks we’re seeing at Cranborne start with human error — a missed warning sign, a convincing phishing email, or an unusual login that doesn’t get spotted in time. An AI agent can monitor activity in the background and raise a flag the moment something looks suspicious. It’s not a silver bullet, but it’s an extra pair of eyes when you need it most. Support sales and marketing without extra staff From following up with leads to drafting emails and analysing which campaigns actually worked, AI agents help small businesses stay consistent. They don’t replace your voice or your expertise — they simply keep the wheels turning so opportunities don’t slip through the cracks. Help you make better decisions, faster Instead of digging through systems for data, an AI agent can pull together quick reports, highlight trends and spot issues early. That means business owners get clearer visibility without spending evenings trawling through spreadsheets. The takeaway AI agents aren’t a gimmick. Used well, they become part of the team — handling the repetitive, the routine and the time-consuming. For UK SMBs under pressure to do more with less, they offer a straightforward way to improve efficiency, strengthen security and give your people their time back.

The 2026 IT Priorities UK SMBs Can’t Ignore

December 2, 2025
2026 will be a defining year for UK small and medium businesses. Technology is no longer just a background function – it shapes resilience, productivity, and competitiveness. At Cranborne Tech, we see this first-hand across care providers, financial services, retail, and non-profits. The organisations moving forward are the ones treating IT as a strategic enabler, not a cost centre. 1. Cybersecurity First: A Zero-Trust Reality Cyber threats continue to rise, and insurers now require demonstrable controls. SMBs must embed Zero Trust principles: MFA everywhere, continuous monitoring, dark web monitoring and phishing simulations as part of regular staff training. Security is now the foundation of every digital decision. 2. AI-Driven Productivity AI is now built into everyday tools like Microsoft 365. SMBs can save hours each week through automated reporting, meeting summaries, documentation support, and enhanced customer service workflows. Responsible governance and staff training must sit alongside adoption. 3. Cloud Cost Control Licensing and cloud waste became a major issue in 2024–2025. In 2026, SMBs should focus on rationalising tools, removing unused subscriptions, and right-sizing backup and cloud storage plans. A cleaner, more efficient cloud estate lowers costs and reduces complexity. 4. Modernising Infrastructure Cloud environments are now the default, although hybrid is still operational where needed. SMBs need reliable networks, standardised devices, secure remote access, and infrastructure capable of supporting AI-driven workloads. Modernisation boosts stability and improves user experience. 5. Business Continuity That Works Backups alone aren’t enough. SMBs need recoverability: encrypted cloud backups, offline copies, documented disaster recovery plans, and regular testing. Insurers and partners increasingly expect evidence, not assumptions. 6. Compliance and Governance Maturity Clear policies, documented patching, supplier assurance, and ongoing training form the baseline for regulated sectors. Mature governance builds trust and removes friction during audits or contract renewals. 7. Employee Experience Through IT Smooth onboarding, consistent devices, self-service capability, and proactive support make a measurable difference to productivity. In 2026, IT is a core part of employee experience. 8. Automating Everyday Workflows SMBs can now automate HR approvals, finance tasks, customer service routing, and reporting without enterprise budgets. Small steps create meaningful efficiency gains. Book a free IT audit The businesses that will thrive in 2026 are those treating IT as a growth partner. Cranborne Tech is here to help UK SMBs build resilient, secure, and future-ready digital foundations. If you want to understand how your IT supports your business goals and identify any gaps before they become risks, book a free IT audit . We’ll review your current setup and guide you on the next steps.