Why Charities Are Sitting Ducks for Cyber Attacks — Yet Still Say “We Don’t Need Cyber Essentials”?
Despite holding sensitive data, handling online donations, and often operating on limited resources, many charities continue to adopt a dangerously blasé attitude toward cybersecurity. Some even insist:
“We’re too small to be a target.”
“We can’t afford certification.”
“We’re not legally required to do it.”
But here’s the truth: Cybercriminals thrive on that mindset. Despite its goodwill, the charity sector has become one of the most attractive targets for hackers—precisely because so many organisations still have their heads buried in the sand.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
🔴 One in three charities reported a cyber breach or attack in the last 12 months
(UK Government Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024)
🔴 66% of large charities and 45% of medium charities were attacked in that same period
🔴 Only 25% of charities have a formal cybersecurity strategy in place
🔴 Less than 1% of registered UK charities currently hold a Cyber Essentials certificate
Let that last one sink in.
Despite being government-backed, cost-effective, and specifically designed to protect against 80% of common cyber threats, most charities still choose not to certify.
The Dangerous Comfort of “We’re Not Interested”
Let’s be honest: many trustees and charity leaders are under-informed, not necessarily negligent. But inaction is just as risky as incompetence.
They assume cloud software, antivirus, or a kind IT volunteer is enough. But cybersecurity isn’t a checkbox — it’s governance.
And when a breach happens, the board of trustees will be accountable.
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The ICO will ask what measures were in place to protect personal data
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The Charity Commission will expect evidence of risk management
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Donors, beneficiaries, and the press will question why the threat wasn’t taken seriously
And when asked, “Why didn’t you certify to the UK’s official cyber standard?”
— What will the answer be?
Why Cyber Essentials Is the Fastest Fix the Sector is Ignoring
Cyber Essentials is:
✅ Government-backed and widely recognised
✅ Affordable — packages start under £400
✅ Achievable even without in-house IT
✅ Supported with templates, guidance, and external help
✅ A visible trust badge to reassure donors, funders, and insurers
It covers five essential areas:
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Firewalls & internet gateways
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Secure configuration
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Access controls
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Malware protection
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Patch management
In short, it prevents the most common attacks charities face, such as phishing, ransomware, and unauthorised access.
Time for Trustees to Lead
Trustees aren’t expected to be cyber experts, but they are expected to show accountability.
Cyber risk is now a governance issue, and certification is one of the simplest, clearest ways to demonstrate board-level responsibility.
So here’s the challenge:
If your charity isn’t certified, and a breach happens — what will your board say?
Why wasn’t Cyber Essentials even considered?
Final Word: The Clock Is Ticking
Hackers don’t care how noble your cause is. But your donors, beneficiaries, and regulators do care how you protect the data and systems they rely on.
Cyber Essentials is the fastest, most cost-effective way to bolster your charity’s cyber resilience, yet many still say, “We don’t need it.”
Maybe it’s time to ask:
What’s the cost of continuing to think like that?
Need help getting started?
CyberTec Security specialises in supporting charities through the Cyber Essentials process — affordably, clearly, and without jargon.
Book a 5-minute call today — and avoid the cost of cyber regret tomorrow.
