Responding to Security Needs of Small to Medium-sized Nonprofit Organizations
The dangers of computer viruses are often overlooked until an organization is hit with a virus. Two recent computer viruses, Code Red and Nimda, had an estimated worldwide economic impact of $2.62 billion and $635 million, respectively (Source: Computer Economics). For a nonprofit organization, the effects of being hit by a virus are often devastating. A virus could mean a halt to internal communications, loss of valuable client data, and a slow down of operations that prevents the delivery of critical services to disadvantaged communities. However, many small nonprofit organizations simply cannot afford the software needed to protect their computers and data, nor do they have the technical skills to implement a long-lasting strategy to combat potentially destructive viruses.
NPower NY, in collaboration with New York Cares and Symantec, coordinated Virus Vaccination Day, a free one-day community service event devoted to helping New York City nonprofits protect themselves against computer viruses. Symantec donated almost $50,000 worth of Norton Anti Virus software for installation on over 600 PCs and Macs. Approximately 80 volunteers were recruited from companies including New York Cares, Accenture, Deloitte & Touche, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan Chase and Microsoft. Volunteers were trained in software installation procedures and use of the anti virus software, which enabled them to assist almost 50 nonprofits in putting in place best practices for virus protection.
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