Your Mission Deserves Protection—Here’s What’s on Tap for Nonprofits
You started your organization to serve others, not to fight off cybercriminals. But today, protecting your mission also means protecting your data, donors, and systems from the growing wave of cyberattacks targeting nonprofits.
Hackers see nonprofits as “soft targets.” You handle valuable donor information, manage grant funding, and often rely on small teams and lean IT budgets. That makes your organization a prime candidate for phishing scams, ransomware, and data breaches.
That’s why Yeo & Yeo Technology created Brews & Cyberthreats, a cybersecurity awareness series that pairs today’s top digital threats with bold brews from Midland Brewing Company in Midland, Michigan. Because when the stakes are high and budgets are tight, education needs to be simple, memorable, and actionable.
Here’s what’s on tap for nonprofit leaders who want to keep their mission secure.
1. Oktoberfest + Ransomware (Bold and Disruptive)
When your mission relies on donations, volunteers, and digital outreach, ransomware can shut it down in seconds. Fundraising tools, grant files, donor data, and communication systems can be frozen until a ransom is paid, or your community impact stalls.
Why It Hurts:
- Halted access to donor platforms, event systems, or outreach tools
- Lost program data, grant documentation, or reporting deadlines
- Service interruptions that damage community trust
Yeo & Yeo Tip:
- Back up all data daily, both to the cloud and secure offline storage
- Use EDR tools to detect ransomware before it spreads
- Segment internal systems so critical data isn’t all in one place
Why Three Mile Marker Oktoberfest? Like ransomware, this bold, seasonal lager makes its presence known. It doesn’t sneak in quietly. It hits hard, overwhelms quickly, and dominates the moment.
2. Boom Run Oatmeal Stout + Malware (Sneaky and Stubborn)
Nonprofits often use a mix of donated tech, outdated software, and third-party tools, creating ideal hiding spots for malware. Malware could siphon donor data, track keystrokes, or quietly spread across devices without anyone noticing.
Why It Hurts:
- Compromised donor or beneficiary information
- Hidden backdoors that allow attackers ongoing access
- Sluggish systems and frequent glitches that slow your mission
Yeo & Yeo Tip:
- Regularly patch all devices, even personal laptops used by volunteers
- Scan external drives, USBs, and file transfers
- Limit admin access to core systems and tools
Why Boom Run Oatmeal Stout? This dark, layered stout lingers just like a deeply embedded malware strain. It’s not flashy, but it’s persistent, and if left unchecked, it can take over everything.
3. Dam Good Beer + Phishing (Deceptively Simple)
That email asking about a donation receipt? Or the one claiming to be from your board chair? Phishing attacks thrive in nonprofits where multitasking is constant and trust is assumed.
Why It Hurts:
- Stolen credentials for donor databases or financial accounts
- Malware introduced via fake links or attachments
- Leaked contact lists or sensitive internal communications
Yeo & Yeo Tip:
- Conduct phishing awareness training for staff and volunteers
- Use MFA across email, donation platforms, and CRM tools
- Enable domain filtering and spoof detection
Why Dam Good Beer? This approachable blonde ale goes down easy, just like a phishing email that doesn’t raise red flags until it’s too late. It’s light on the surface, but the consequences can be heavy.
4. Copper Harbor Ale + Insider Threats (Trusted but Dangerous)
Whether it’s a long-time volunteer with too much access or a staff member who mishandles a file, insider threats are real in nonprofit environments. They’re often accidental—but still harmful.
Why It Hurts:
- Donor or beneficiary data accidentally shared
- Forgotten accounts used by former staff or interns
- Breaches of grant or privacy compliance terms
Yeo & Yeo Tip:
- Use role-based permissions for all systems
- Immediately restrict access after offboarding
- Monitor for unusual access patterns or large file transfers
Why Copper Harbor Ale? This amber ale seems reliable, like the people on your team—but it has depth and complexity that mirrors the risks insiders pose. Even those with good intentions can do real damage without the proper guardrails.
5. OPE! Michigan Hopped IPA + Data Breaches (Bitter and Expensive)
Data breaches don’t just impact your donors—they shake the community’s faith in your mission. A single breach could lead to revoked funding, lost volunteers, or beneficiaries who no longer trust your organization.
Why It Hurts:
- Public exposure of donor, client, or program participant data
- Loss of grant funding due to noncompliance
- Reputation damage that affects donations and participation
Yeo & Yeo Tip:
- Encrypt donor databases and beneficiary records
- Restrict file access based on job role and program need
- Schedule regular security audits, especially before fundraising campaigns
Why OPE! Michigan Hopped IPA? “Ope!”—the sound your team makes when you discover donor data was exposed. This IPA delivers a bold, hoppy punch, just like the harsh reality of a nonprofit data breach.
Final Sip: Your Community Deserves Security That Works
Your nonprofit does important work, so why leave your mission exposed to digital threats?
Yeo & Yeo helps nonprofits across Michigan secure their operations, protect donor data, and strengthen their impact with cost-effective IT solutions tailored to your mission and budget. From compliance to cloud security, we make it easier to serve safely and efficiently.
Let’s build a security strategy that’s as resilient as your cause.