In order to work as a team, nonprofit board members require tools to facilitate communication. They often deal with sensitive information that could be disastrous if placed in wrong hands and must be kept secret. Despite the widespread use of digital communications like texting, emails, and messaging apps, they aren’t sufficiently secure to be used for board business, making boards open to cyberattacks.
Nonprofit board directors are volunteers who bring diverse experiences, skills, and knowledge to their jobs. Many have other jobs or careers. The multiple obligations and responsibilities, however, can make it difficult for them to maintain regular communication with one another.
The good news is, the right technology can assist. The integration of a chat, messaging and collaboration platform with a board management program or a document system can improve the flow of information, avoiding duplication and loss of data. It also helps protect against cyberattacks and safeguard confidential conversations and documents.
Volunteer board members are often high-profile individuals with access to highly sensitive information. Hackers target them with ransomware and phishing attacks, where they threaten to release sensitive data unless a sum of cash is paid. A board could also face legal repercussions or a loss of trust if sensitive documents are accidentally shared via unsecure channels, such as email or mobile devices. To avoid these risks, the ideal solution must include strict cybercheckboxes and an audit trail in order to safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of information.