Cyber Insurance for Charities and Non-Profits
Charities and non-profits are increasingly being asked to take cyber security seriously.
Not just because of risk, but because insurers now expect it.
If you’re applying for cyber insurance, renewing a policy, or being asked questions you’re not sure how to answer, you’re not alone.
Black Swan Cyber Security helps charities, community groups and non-profits across Chesterfield, Sheffield and Derbyshire understand what insurers are really looking for - and how to meet those expectations.
The reality: charities are being targeted more often
Cyber attacks are not just a “big business problem”.
Recent data shows that 30% of charities identified a cyber attack in the last 12 months
That’s because charities often hold:
- donor data
- financial information
- personal and sensitive records
…and are sometimes seen as easier targets.
Why cyber insurance is becoming essential
Cyber insurance helps cover the cost of recovery after an incident.
That can include:
- forensic investigation
- data recovery
- legal and compliance costs
- notification and credit monitoring
- PR and reputation management
- business interruption
But here’s the challenge
Insurers don’t just offer cover automatically anymore.
They expect charities to have certain controls in place first.
The risks insurers are really worried about
Insurers are not just looking at your technology. They are assessing how your charity manages risk day-to-day, from phishing and passwords to suppliers, backups and sensitive data.
Human risk
People are still one of the easiest ways in for attackers.
- Phishing emails
- Staff and volunteer awareness gaps
- Impersonation and social engineering
Supplier risk
Third parties can introduce risk into your environment.
- IT providers with remote access
- Cloud systems and platforms
- Unassessed supplier security
Backup risk
Backups are only useful if they are properly protected.
- Connected to live systems
- No offline copies
- Not regularly tested
Access control
Poor access control makes it easier for attackers to move.
- Weak or reused passwords
- No MFA on key systems
- Too many admin users
Data exposure
Holding more data than needed increases risk.
- Excess personal data stored
- Poor protection of sensitive data
- No retention policy
Fraud risk
Financial scams are increasingly targeted at charities.
- Fake invoices and payment requests
- No verification processes
- Staff vulnerable to scams
Why many charities struggle with cyber insurance
Most organisations we speak to are not ignoring cyber security.
They already have:
- IT support
- antivirus
- Microsoft 365
- backups
But the gaps are often in the detail:
- MFA not enforced everywhere
- Backups not tested
- No formal incident response plan
- Limited staff awareness training
- No clear understanding of data exposure
That’s what insurers pick up on.
How Black Swan helps charities become insurance-ready
We don’t sell insurance.
We help you get into the right position before you apply or renew.
Our Cyber Insurance Readiness Review for charities
We assess your organisation across the areas insurers care about most, helping you understand where the gaps are, what needs attention first, and how to move towards cover with more confidence.
Security controls
- MFA coverage
- Endpoint protection
- Email security
- Patching
- Backup design
People and awareness
- Phishing awareness
- Training approach
- Access control
- Admin rights
Backup and recovery
- Backup structure
- Separation from live systems
- Restore testing
Data exposure
- What data you hold
- Where it is stored
- How it is protected
- How long it is retained
Third-party risk
- Suppliers and IT providers
- External access risks
Processes and policies
- Incident response
- Payment verification
- Day-to-day risk management
What you get
A practical review designed to help charities and non-profits understand their position, prioritise improvements, and align more closely with insurer expectations.
- Clear, jargon-free gap analysis
- Prioritised action plan
- Practical recommendations
- Support aligning with insurer expectations
- Optional help implementing improvements
Cyber insurance vs cyber security
Cyber security helps reduce the chance of an attack.
Cyber insurance helps reduce the financial impact if one happens.
You need both.
And increasingly, one depends on the other.
Local support for charities and non-profits
Black Swan Cyber Security is based in Chesterfield and supports:
- charities
- community groups
- non-profits
- schools and trusts
- care providers
…across Sheffield, Derbyshire and surrounding areas.
We understand the balance between:
- limited budgets
- compliance requirements
- and real-world risk
Get your charity insurance-ready
If you’re applying for cyber insurance, renewing a policy, or unsure where you stand, we’ll help you get clarity.
Backed by the world's leading cyber defenders
Meet Kevin: Founder & lead security consultant
Kevin has spent over 20 years solving real-world IT and cyber security challenges for organisations like yours. His approach is refreshingly straightforward: listen first, understand your constraints, then build security that actually works within your budget and compliance requirements.
Beyond technical expertise, Kevin brings a deep understanding of how organisations really operate, gained through years serving as a Parish Councillor, school governor, and charity trustee. He knows what it’s like to balance competing priorities, stretch budgets, and maintain public trust.
Whether you’re dealing with a security incident or simply want an honest assessment of your current protection, Kevin provides clear guidance without the sales pitch.
Ready to discuss your security needs?
Contact Kevin directly – no lengthy sales process, just practical advice from someone who genuinely wants to help.
Meet Kevin: Founder of Black Swan
Concerned about cyber security? Need advice or a tailor-made quote? Kevin is here to help you!
From actionable advice to helping you to see where you could be at risk, Kevin will help you to get your business on a path that is secure-by-design and ready for the unthinkable.
Ready to replace sleepless nights with peace of mind? It all starts with an informal chat!
Either schedule a call by selecting a suitable date and time on the calendar or by clicking the button below to send us a message.