Cybersecurity Matters: Protecting Small Businesses & Nonprofits in a Changing Digital World
- Debra Croswell
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
In today’s digital environment, cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for large corporations. Native owned small businesses, tribal enterprises, and Indigenous nonprofit organizations—often stretched thin by tight budgets and limited staff – are now prime targets for cybercriminals. Attackers know these organizations handle valuable data but may not have the resources to defend it.
Every day, your team works with information that matters -- client records, donor data, financial details, internal documents, emails, and login credentials. Protecting that data is more than an operational task. It is essential to safeguarding your mission, your reputation, and the people and communities you serve.
At Cayuse Native Solutions, we understand these challenges. That’s why we’ve created a five‑part cybersecurity video series designed specifically for small organizations that need practical, accessible, high-impact training without complexity. Each short module helps employees recognize threats, avoid common mistakes, and develop stronger cyber hygiene right away.
Below is an overview of the core topics we cover, and why they matter to your staff, your organization, and your long-term security.
1. Artificial Intelligence Awareness: Using AI Safely in the Workplace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way organizations operate, offering powerful tools that can streamline work and improve decision-making. But this same technology can also be used to mimic trusted communication, harvest sensitive data, or create highly convincing phishing attempts.
Your takeaway: AI isn't inherently dangerous, but it must be used carefully. This module teaches employees what they should and shouldn’t share with AI tools, how AI-driven scams work, and how to use these tools responsibly while protecting sensitive information.
2. Communicating Information Securely: Protecting Email & Digital Correspondence
Email remains one of the biggest cybersecurity risks for small organizations. A single forwarded message, shared password, or unencrypted attachment can expose confidential data.
This module emphasizes:
Why company email accounts should never be shared
How to prevent accidental exposure of sensitive internal information
When and how to use encryption
How to safely handle attachments and protect personal and financial data
Why signature blocks and disclaimers matter in protecting information
Your takeaway: Even small missteps can lead to big consequences. Every employee plays a role in securing digital communication. Smart email habits reduce risk and help protect both your organization and the people you serve.
3. Data Security Breaches: Recognizing the Signs & Acting Quickly
A data breach isn’t always obvious. It might begin with a suspicious email, a lost device, or an unknown login attempt. Early detection can drastically reduce harm.
In this module, employees will learn:
What constitutes a security breach
How breaches commonly occur
What an incident response team does
What employees should do the moment they suspect a problem
Your takeaway: Fast reporting is the key to minimizing damage. Every team member must know what to look for and who to contact the moment they suspect an issue.
4. Social Engineering & Phishing: Recognizing Psychological Manipulation
Cybercriminals increasingly rely on people-focused attacks, not technical ones. This module helps employees recognize the emotional and psychological tactics attackers use.
Topics include:
Email phishing
Phone‑based vishing
Text‑based smishing
Social‑media scams
Fake invoices and fraudulent requests
Password‑reset requests
The training teaches practical ways to recognize manipulation and avoid falling for fraudulent messages—whether they come through email, text, or phone.
Your takeaway: Cybersecurity isn’t only about systems—it’s about people. Teaching employees to recognize manipulation is one of the most effective defenses your organization can deploy.
5. Information Security Best Practices: Everyday Habits That Reduce Risk
Big threats matter, but everyday habits matter even more. This module gives employees clear, practical steps they can take to strengthen security immediately.
Topics include:
Password best practices
Multi‑factor authentication
Safe browsing and social media usage
Device, screen, and workspace protection
“Clean desk, clear screen” practices
Risks of public Wi‑Fi
Your takeaway: Effective cyber hygiene doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does require consistency.
Empowering Employees Protects Your Entire Organization
Small businesses and nonprofit organizations are the backbone of our communities. You support families, create jobs, build local economies, and preserve culture and identity. Your impact depends on trust and cybersecurity is a critical part of maintaining that trust.
Investing in employee training is one of the most cost‑effective ways to strengthen your organization’s security posture. And it doesn’t require advanced expertise—just awareness, practice, and commitment.
Our video series makes training accessible, easy to implement, and practical for busy teams.
Start Strengthening Your Cybersecurity Today
Cayuse Native Solutions is committed to helping organizations across Indian Country and beyond build safer, more resilient digital environments.
🎥Watch a 3-minute sample of the video series -- it shows excerpts from the five videos to give you a sample of the important cybersecurity content.
Each module is short, engaging, and designed to fit into even the busiest schedules while still delivering essential skills your team can use immediately.
If your organization needs help customizing a cybersecurity plan, customizing cybersecurity training, or assessing your organization’s vulnerabilities, our team is ready to support you.
Let’s protect what matters most – together.
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