Course Details

Cybersecurity for NGOs and Humanitarian Organizations Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for mastering Cybersecurity for Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Humanitarian Organizations. While dedicated to critical missions of aid, development, and advocacy, these organizations often hold sensitive data on beneficiaries, staff, and operations, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks from nation-states, organized crime, or even disgruntled individuals. This program equips participants with a systematic understanding of the unique threat landscape faced by NGOs, tailored security strategies for resource-constrained environments, and best practices for protecting sensitive information and operational continuity. Participants will gain deep insights into securing communications, protecting beneficiary data, managing volunteer and remote staff access, and developing incident response plans adaptable to challenging field conditions, all crucial for maintaining trust, ensuring safety, and achieving mission objectives.

This course is designed for IT staff, program managers, executive leadership, and field personnel within NGOs, non-profits, and humanitarian aid groups. It acknowledges the specific operational realities—such as limited budgets, reliance on volunteers, and presence in high-risk zones—and provides practical, actionable guidance to enhance cybersecurity resilience. By fostering a security-aware culture and equipping participants with the knowledge to implement pragmatic safeguards, this course empowers organizations to protect their invaluable work and the vulnerable communities they serve from the growing spectrum of digital threats.

DURATION

10 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for individuals working in or overseeing operations for NGOs, non-profits, and humanitarian organizations, including:

• NGO IT Managers and Staff.
• Program Managers and Field Coordinators.
• Executive Directors and Board Members.
• Data Protection and Compliance Officers (if applicable).
• Volunteers and Frontline Personnel.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the unique cyber threats and vulnerabilities facing NGOs and humanitarian groups.
• Implement cost-effective and pragmatic cybersecurity controls suitable for limited resources.
• Develop strategies for protecting sensitive beneficiary and operational data.
• Secure communications and digital tools in diverse and challenging environments.
• Create and execute incident response plans tailored for humanitarian contexts.

MODULES

Module 1: Understanding the NGO and Humanitarian Threat Landscape

• Define the unique value and sensitivity of data held by NGOs (e.g., beneficiary lists, locations, vulnerabilities).
• Understand the diverse motivations of threat actors targeting NGOs (e.g., espionage, disruption, financial gain).
• Discuss common attack vectors specific to NGOs (e.g., targeted phishing, supply chain attacks, data exfiltration).
• Explore the impact of cyberattacks on NGO operations, reputation, and beneficiary safety.
• Examine real-world case studies of cyber incidents affecting humanitarian organizations.

Module 2: Foundational Cybersecurity for Resource-Constrained Environments

• Understand the importance of basic cybersecurity hygiene (e.g., strong passwords, software updates, backups).
• Discuss how to prioritize security investments with limited budgets.
• Explore the concept of "good enough" security for immediate impact.
• Examine the value of free and open-source security tools.
• Learn about leveraging partnerships and community resources for security support.

Module 3: Protecting Sensitive Data: Beneficiary and Operational Information

• Understand the types of sensitive data typically handled by NGOs (e.g., personally identifiable information, health data, case files).
• Discuss principles of data minimization and purpose limitation.
• Explore strategies for data encryption at rest and in transit (e.g., full disk encryption, encrypted messaging).
• Examine secure methods for data collection, storage, and sharing in the field.
• Learn about secure data disposal and retention policies.

Module 4: Secure Communications and Collaboration Tools

• Understand the importance of secure communication channels for staff and beneficiaries.
• Discuss the use of end-to-end encrypted messaging applications (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp with caution).
• Explore secure practices for email communication and phishing awareness.
• Examine the security features of cloud collaboration platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365).
• Learn about secure video conferencing and virtual meeting best practices.

Module 5: Identity and Access Management for Staff, Volunteers, and Partners

• Understand the challenges of managing diverse user populations (e.g., paid staff, short-term volunteers, local partners).
• Discuss implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all critical accounts.
• Explore strategies for user account provisioning and de-provisioning.
• Examine the principle of least privilege access to sensitive systems and data.
• Learn about managing access for remote and field-based personnel.

Module 6: Device and Endpoint Security in the Field

• Understand the risks associated with mobile devices, laptops, and tablets in challenging environments.
• Discuss strategies for securing endpoints (e.g., device encryption, anti-malware, host-based firewalls).
• Explore the importance of secure configurations and regular patching.
• Examine procedures for data wipe and remote lock for lost or stolen devices.
• Learn about secure use of USB drives and external storage.

Module 7: Incident Response and Crisis Communication in Humanitarian Contexts

• Understand the need for a simplified and actionable incident response plan for NGOs.
• Discuss the process of detecting and reporting security incidents in the field.
• Explore strategies for containing breaches with limited technical support.
• Examine how to communicate effectively during a cyber incident to staff, beneficiaries, and donors.
• Learn about post-incident review and adapting plans based on experiences.

Module 8: Building a Security-Aware Culture and Continuous Improvement

• Understand the importance of regular security awareness training for all personnel.
• Discuss methods for fostering a culture of vigilance and shared responsibility.
• Explore strategies for simulated phishing campaigns and interactive learning.
• Examine the benefits of regular security assessments and reviews.
• Learn about staying updated on emerging threats and adapting security practices over time.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

• Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com