Nowadays everyone's heard at least a story or two about how a lost laptop or a cracked firewall put thousands or even millions of people's personal information into the wrong hands. That kind of loss can be disastrous for the individuals affected and for the organization behind it.

As nonprofits and advocacy groups continue to gather more and more information about their constituents, we all need to be aware that along with collecting and analyzing this data, we need to protect it. But figuring out how to do this well and cost effectively can be a challenge. Tomorrow we're hosting a webinar that will outline the steps every organization needs to take to secure the data they collect and how they can foster an environment that takes security seriously. You can register here.

With its Healthy and Secure Computing Campaign, TechSoup is doing a lot to help nonprofits crack down on the data they collect and has some great resources to help organizations set up a secure technology infrastructure. Read on for an article about the campaign, reprinted with permission.

Because you can’t save the world if you can’t open your email
Reprinted with permission from TechSoup

In a world where carrying the latest and greatest laptop, PDA, or digital device is the norm, many nonprofit organizations continue to do vital work without even the most basic technology tools and resources.

TechSoup is committed to ensuring that nonprofits have access to the information, tools, and support they need — so that technology can solve problems, not create them.

Over the next three years, TechSoup’s HSC campaign will help bring together the knowledge, the people, and the know-how to enable any nonprofit to take control of its basic technology infrastructure. In addition, HSC draws from TechSoup’s many unique programs — including TechSoup.org and TechSoup Stock — to provide a comprehensive approach for technology support.

• The Knowledge: TechSoup’s HSC Workbook is a set of basic guidelines to help nonprofits attain a secure and stable technology framework. (You’ll receive a free printed copy of the HSC Workbook when you register online, or download a copy below.) Throughout the HSC campaign, we’ll continue to share best practices, tools, and resources to assist you with your technology challenges and needs.

• The People: From consulting firms to technology volunteers, HSC invites anyone who provides nonprofit technology support to join our campaign. HSC will make available a clear set of standards for nonprofit technology, along with comprehensive documentation, tools, guidance, and resources.

• The Know-How: HSC will offer opportunities for nonprofit staff and nonprofit technology providers to actively participate in the campaign. Check back often to learn more about upcoming HSC events, forums, and opportunities to interact with other campaign participants.

Read more about the campaign and how you can get involved.