IT Support for Nonprofits: Why Ohio’s New Cybersecurity Rules Matter in Akron and Cleveland

Cybersecurity isn’t just something for Fortune 500 companies to worry about anymore. Right here in Ohio, local governments are being told they have to step up—and that’s a signal for nonprofits, too.

In the spring, the state rolled out new rules for cities and municipalities: they now have to adopt real cybersecurity programs, train their staff every year, and even get approval before paying ransomware demands. They also have to report attacks quickly instead of trying to quietly sweep them under the rug.

Why? Because Ohio has seen over 235 cyber-attacks in recent years that has cost local businesses and organizations nearly $9 million in ransomware payments. Even Cleveland City Hall and the Municipal Court were hit.

If big public agencies can be knocked offline, it’s not hard to imagine what could happen to a nonprofit trying to run a fundraiser, process donations, or keep a shelter operational.

What This Means for Nonprofits

Even though the new rules don’t technically apply to nonprofits, they set the tone. Funders, boards, and insurance providers are watching, and they’ll expect similar accountability.

Think about it:

• Donors want to know their credit card info is safe.
• Boards want proof you’re audit-ready.
• Funders want to see you’re modernizing, not leaving data vulnerable.

If cities are being required to have cybersecurity plans, it won’t be long before nonprofits are asked for the same.

Where IT Support for Nonprofits Fits In

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to build a massive IT department to get there. With the right IT support for nonprofits, you can cover the basics that keep you safe and give your board confidence. That means:

• Turning on multifactor authentication so hackers can’t waltz into your email or donor CRM.
• Testing backups regularly so you’re not left scrambling if ransomware hits.
• Cleaning up old user accounts so volunteers or former staff don’t still have access to sensitive files.
• Having plain-English documentation you can hand to a funder or auditor without breaking into a sweat.

It’s all about being proactive instead of reactive.

Local Stakes, Local Solutions

Nonprofits in Akron and Cleveland don’t just need IT help, they need IT support that understands the local landscape. In Cuyahoga County alone, there are over 6,000 nonprofits, many of them living and dying by grant funding. Funders like the Cleveland Foundation and Akron Community Foundation are already raising the bar when it comes to digital maturity.

Having an IT partner who speaks nonprofit—someone who gets that you’re balancing grants, volunteers, and board pressure—makes all the difference.

Ohio’s new rules are a wake-up call. With the right nonprofit IT support, you can protect donor trust, stay grant-ready, and finally get the peace of mind that lets you focus on what really matters: your mission.

3 Quick Cybersecurity Wins for Nonprofits

Start with these simple steps to secure your sensitive data today:

1. Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA).
   It adds a quick extra step at login but blocks most attacks cold.
2. Test your backups.
   Backups you never test are just expensive hope. Make sure they actually work before you need them.
3. Clean up old accounts.
   Former staff and volunteers shouldn’t still have access to your systems. A quick user audit saves headaches later.

These moves don’t require a big budget, but they do build board confidence and donor trust.

Schedule a meeting with PCR President, Pat Carroll to learn more about our nonprofit IT solutions.