Is your charity confident it could withstand a cyber incident in 2026 or continue operating if systems suddenly went offline? For many Devon-based organisations, technology has become critical to everyday service delivery, yet cyber security and cloud investment still sit low on the priority list.
Reliable IT support for charities is fundamental to resilience and trust. As threats increase, IT support for non-profits ensures cyber security and cloud services are a core part of protection.
For charities across Devon, the decisions made now will directly shape their ability to operate securely and sustainably in the years ahead.
The Growing Cyber-Threat Landscape Facing Charities
Charities often operate with small teams and limited IT budgets, both of which can be easily exploited. Key threats charities are facing include:
- Phishing attacks designed to trick staff or volunteers into revealing login credentials or financial information. These emails are often tailored to look like donation enquiries, grant communications, or messages from trustees.
- Data breaches involving personal data relating to beneficiaries, donors, and employees. Even a small breach can result in regulatory scrutiny and loss of trust.
- Volunteer data exposure, particularly where personal devices are used without proper security controls or guidance.
- Ransomware attacks, which can lock access to critical systems and files, bringing operations to a halt until a ransom is paid or systems are rebuilt.
For charities, the consequences are particularly severe. Beyond financial cost, a cyber incident can damage donor confidence and create serious compliance challenges under data protection regulations.
Why Cloud and Managed IT Services Are Key in 2026
Cloud services and managed IT support provide charities with a more resilient and secure foundation, without the need for in-house technical expertise. Key advantages include:
- Greater Resilience and Continuity: Cloud-based systems reduce reliance on a single office or server. If a building is inaccessible or a device fails, services can continue with minimal disruption.
- Secure Remote Access for Staff and Volunteers: Many charities rely on volunteers working flexibly or remotely. Cloud platforms allow secure access to systems from anywhere while maintaining control over who can see and edit sensitive information.
- Scalable and Cost-Effective Resources: Cloud services can scale up or down as funding, staffing levels, or service demand changes, helping Devon’s charities manage costs more predictably.
- Stronger Built-In Security: Managed cloud environments include regular updates, security patching, and monitoring that are difficult to maintain manually.
This shift is supported by evidence. The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025 reveals that around 61,000 charities have identified a cyber-attack in the last 12 months. This highlights why postponing investment into 2026 only increases operational and reputational risk.
For organisations seeking reliable IT support for non-profits, cloud-first strategies provide stability without overburdening trustees or volunteers.
The Devon Angle: Why Local Expertise Matters
Many smaller charities across Devon have historically underinvested in IT. This is often due to funding pressures or a lack of access to specialist advice. While understandable, this approach can leave organisations exposed as threats continue to evolve.
At BCNS, we work with Devon’s charities to bring them practical advantages that national providers often can’t match:
- An understanding of the local charity landscape, including funding models and operational realities
- Support tailored to small teams and volunteer-led environments, rather than enterprise-scale solutions
- Faster, more personal assistance when issues arise
- Guidance aligned with regional compliance expectations and best practice
Our IT support for charities and non-profits across Devon helps strengthen cyber security, modernise systems, and adopt cloud services in a way that nurtures long-term sustainability.
What Charities Should Look for in IT Support in 2026
When reviewing IT support options, charities should focus on capabilities that directly reduce risk and improve resilience:
- Encryption to protect sensitive data both when stored and when shared
- Reliable backup and disaster recovery, ensuring data can be restored quickly after cyber incidents or system failures
- Proactive monitoring to detect and address issues before they impact services
- Cloud migration support to move systems safely without disrupting daily operations
- Clear access controls to manage staff and volunteer permissions effectively
Actionable Checklist for Devon Charities
If you’re unsure where to begin, the following steps provide a practical starting point:
- Assess your current risk. Review existing systems, access permissions, and recent incidents or near misses.
- Plan cloud migration or system upgrades. Identify which tools or data would benefit most from moving to secure cloud platforms.
- Budget realistically for IT. Treat cyber security and IT support as ongoing operational costs, not one-off expenses.
- Provide basic cyber training. Simple awareness training for staff and volunteers can significantly reduce phishing and human error risks.
- Engage a trusted local provider. Choose a Devon-based IT partner who understands non-profit challenges and constraints.
Preparing Your Charity for the Future
Book a free consultation with BCNS to review your current setup, identify risks, and explore practical, cost-conscious improvements tailored to Devon charities.
