When we think of the go-to targets for cybercriminals, it’s natural to think of businesses across a number of different industries. However, the government’s Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 found that 30% of charities experienced a cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months.
Oxford’s charitable sector plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in the area. But while these organisations are focused on delivering front-line services, many are unknowingly leaving themselves exposed to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.
This is typically a result of them lacking the internal IT resources, up-to-date systems, or dedicated cyber security expertise to defend themselves. With limited budgets and overworked staff, many small and medium-sized charities may not even realise where their weaknesses lie.
In this blog, we’ll explore the most common vulnerabilities putting local charities at risk, practical and affordable ways to strengthen your organisation’s cyber defences, and how EAC helps with managed IT support and cyber security for charities in Oxford.
Why Are Charities in Oxford Being Targeted?
Charities make attractive targets for cybercriminals not because they’re careless, but because they’re often under-resourced when it comes to IT. Many small and medium-sized organisations in Oxford operate on tight budgets, with overstretched teams and outdated systems. That combination leaves the door wide open for cyber threats.
Here’s why charities are increasingly in the crosshairs:
- They handle sensitive data: From donor contact details and financial records to medical histories and case notes, the data held by charitable organisations is both valuable and vulnerable.
- Their defences are often limited: Without dedicated cyber security staff or regular training, it’s easy for risks to go unnoticed – whether that’s weak passwords, unpatched software, or an employee clicking a malicious link.
- They rely on trust: The reputational damage from a data breach can be devastating for charities. Losing the trust of supporters, beneficiaries, or regulators could jeopardise funding and long-term viability.
- They’re seen as ‘easy wins’: Cybercriminals are opportunists. They’re increasingly using automated tools to scan for gaps like outdated systems or unsecured email servers, meaning charities with minimal protection are more likely to be picked up.
The Most Common Cyber Vulnerabilities Facing Oxford Charities
Many Oxford-based charities are unknowingly leaving the back door open to cybercriminals. Here are some of the most common weak spots we see when working with charitable organisations in the region:
- Poor Password Practices
Staff and volunteers often reuse passwords, share logins, or use simple phrases like Password123. Without strong credentials and multi-factor authentication (MFA), attackers can gain access in seconds – especially through phishing emails or leaked credentials on the dark web, with data suggesting as many as 19 billion passwords have been compromised by leaks and breaches since April 2024.
- Unsecured Email Systems
Email remains the top route into any organisation. Outdated or poorly configured email systems leave charities wide open to phishing scams, malware attachments, and impersonation attacks. Many still lack encryption or basic filtering, increasing the risk of data leaks.
- Outdated Software and Operating Systems
When budgets are stretched, IT upgrades often get pushed down the list. But unsupported systems are a hacker’s dream; they are full of known vulnerabilities that are easy to exploit.
- No Staff Training on Cyber Risks
From volunteers to full-time staff, anyone with access to systems can become a cyber risk if they’re not aware of what to look out for. Research suggests that 95% of cyber security issues can be traced back to human error, yet many charities have never delivered any form of cyber awareness training.
- Incomplete or Unreliable Backup Systems
A surprising number of charities either don’t back up their data regularly or assume that cloud storage is a complete backup strategy. Without verified backups and a clear recovery plan, recovering from a ransomware attack or accidental data loss becomes extremely difficult.
These gaps are common, but they’re not inevitable. With the right support and cyber security for charities, Oxford non-profits can build a strong, practical foundation for cyber resilience.
Affordable, Practical Solutions for Charities on a Budget
A tight budget doesn’t have to mean weak security. Strengthening your cyber defences doesn’t require enterprise-level spending; just the right tools, guidance, and support. Here are some cost-effective steps Oxford charities can take to reduce their risk:
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
One of the simplest and most effective protections available. MFA adds an extra layer of security to email accounts, file systems, and cloud platforms by requiring a second form of identification, such as a mobile code, before access is granted. It’s free to implement on most systems and reduces the risk of compromise by 99.22% across the entire population and by 98.56% in cases of leaked credentials, according to a Microsoft study.
Cyber Awareness Training
Regular training sessions help staff and volunteers spot phishing emails, avoid unsafe websites, and understand the importance of secure passwords. Short, engaging sessions can make a huge difference in reducing human error.
Secure Email Filtering
Cloud-based email security platforms can scan messages for phishing links, malware, and impersonation attempts before they reach your inbox. Some solutions also include encryption for sensitive emails, ensuring donor and beneficiary information stays protected.
Regular Backups and Disaster Recovery Planning
It’s not just about backing up data; it’s about making sure it can be restored quickly when you need it. Automated daily backups to the cloud and a clear recovery plan ensure you can bounce back from ransomware or data loss without major disruption.
Charity-Friendly Cyber Security Packages
EAC offers cyber security for charities in Oxford through packages designed for non-profit needs. You get the peace of mind that comes with professional security at a price that works for your organisation.
EAC’s Experience with Charities
The right cyber security for charities in Oxford combines the right tools and the right support. At EAC, we work closely with organisations across Oxford and understand the unique pressures local charities face.
From safeguarding donor data to ensuring frontline services aren’t disrupted by IT issues, we’ve supported a range of charities and care providers who need reliable, cost-effective solutions without unnecessary complexity.
Here’s what sets EAC apart when it comes to cyber security for charities in Oxford:
- Charity-Specific Expertise
We know how to work within your constraints: tight budgets, limited internal IT, and compliance requirements. Our solutions are built with your real-world challenges in mind. - Sophos-Powered Protection
All of our security packages are powered by industry-leading tools like Sophos, delivering enterprise-grade defence without the enterprise price tag. - Rapid Local Response
Whether it’s a cyber incident or a day-to-day support issue, we’re on hand to help fast, either remotely or on-site, so your services stay up and running. - Long-Term Partnerships
We don’t believe in one-off fixes. We act as an extension of your team, providing strategic advice, regular reviews, and ongoing improvements so your IT evolves with your organisation.
If your charity needs a trusted partner who puts your mission first while keeping you protected, EAC is ready to support you.
Securing Your Mission Starts with Cyber Confidence
Oxford’s charities do incredible work, but that work is increasingly threatened by growing cyber risks. Phishing scams, data breaches, and ransomware attacks don’t discriminate based on good intentions. And without the right defences in place, even a small incident can have a big impact on your ability to serve the community.
The good news? Cyber security doesn’t have to be expensive, complicated, or overwhelming. With the right support, even the smallest organisations can take meaningful steps to stay protected.
From multi-factor authentication and secure email systems to staff training and affordable cyber security packages, there are practical solutions available today. And with EAC’s local experience supporting charities across Oxfordshire, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Book your security assessment today and discover if your charity is doing enough to protect against cyber threats.
