To work in a team and to work as a board member, nonprofits require tools that are simple to use and aid in communication. They handle sensitive information which could be a disaster in the wrong hands, and must be protected. Despite the widespread use of digital communications, including email, texting and messaging boardroomsolutions.org apps, they are not sufficiently secure for board-level business and leave boards at risk of cyberattacks.

Nonprofit board members are volunteers who bring a wide range of abilities, knowledge, and expertise to their roles. Many have other jobs or careers. The multiple obligations and responsibilities, however it can be difficult for them to maintain consistent contact with one another.

The good news is that the right technology can help. Integrating a chat, message and collaboration platform with a board management system or a document system can streamline the flow, preventing duplication and loss of data. It can also protect against cyberattacks, and protect privileged documents and conversations.

Volunteer board members are often granted access to highly sensitive information. Hackers target them with ransomware or phishing attacks where they threaten to release sensitive information until a certain amount of money is paid. In addition to these dangers, boards can be subject to sanctions from the regulator and lose confidence if sensitive data is accidentally shared via unsecure channels such as email or on a personal device. To avoid these issues the ideal solution must include strict cybercheckboxes and an audit trail to safeguard the integrity and confidentiality of data.