United Midcoast Charities will host a practical cybersecurity workshop on Wednesday, Oct. 14, designed specifically for nonprofit leaders and decision-makers 

“What You Need to Know Before You Click” will take place from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at United Midcoast Charities, in Camden. The workshop is being offered as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

“Cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue,” said United Midcoast Charities Office Administrator Rebecca Leonard, in a news release. “The risks are real, but knowledge is power. We wanted to offer something practical that helps nonprofit leaders understand what to look for and what questions to ask, without requiring a technical background.” 

The workshop will be led by Fred Gildred, founder and principal of EES Consulting, a Midcoast Maine technology services firm established in 1994. Gildred and his team support small and mid-sized organizations with managed IT services, cybersecurity, and practical technology guidance, with particular expertise in the complex technology environments of nonprofits.

Participants will learn:

● How cyber threats show up in everyday nonprofit work

● What questions to ask before approving payments, choosing vendors or granting access

● Five basic safeguards every organization should have in place 

● What cybersecurity standards nonprofits should expect from staff and vendors

● How to talk about cybersecurity in plain English

● Practical steps organizations can take in the next 30 days to reduce their risk

No technical background is required.

The workshop is free for current United Midcoast Charities grantee organizations and open to other area nonprofits for a $20 registration fee. Space is limited.

Registration is required. To register, call 207-236-2299 or email admin@unitedmidcoastcharities.org.

United Midcoast Charities plays a pivotal role in providing financial support, strategic guidance, and tangible resources to Midcoast nonprofits providing services in our four focus areas of food, housing, health & safety, and economic security. UMC strengthens these community-focused organizations to achieve their missions more effectively and have a greater impact.