Common vulnerabilities
Business Email Compromise (BEC)
targeting donation-related communications
Ransomware
locking access to donor or volunteer databases
Phishing scams
sent to volunteers or community members
Third-party provider compromise
(e.g. CRM, fundraising software)
Lack of MFA or endpoint protection
due to limited budgets
Realistic risk scenario
An attacker gains access to a staff member’s email via a phishing link. They impersonate the finance director and request a bank change for an upcoming £30,000 grant disbursement. Simultaneously, ransomware disables access to the charity’s donor database and event registration platform, just weeks before a key fundraising drive. The breach threatens to delay services to vulnerable beneficiaries, erode donor trust, and result in reputational fallout if personal data is exposed.
How Cowbell can help
Cowbell’s UK-based claims team responds immediately, bringing in panel breach counsel and forensic investigators to assess the situation. They help determine if sensitive donor or beneficiary data was accessed and initiate containment.
Data Breach & Notification Support:
If personal or financial data is compromised, Cowbell facilitates:
- Legal guidance on ICO reporting requirements
- Notification planning for donors or impacted individuals
- Credit monitoring services where needed
Funds Transfer Fraud Cover:
If payments were misdirected due to impersonation, Cowbell works to recover the loss and provides cover (subject to policy terms).
Business Interruption & Extra Expenses:
Cowbell’s policy may respond to lost income from interrupted fundraising or delayed grant funding. We also support extra expense cover for backup platforms, overtime, or external communications support.
Reputational Management:
Our panel PR consultants help the charity maintain trust through clear public messaging and donor reassurance, safeguarding future campaigns.
Why a cyber policy with Cowbell matters for charities
Pre-breach support
Access to tools, templates, and consultation — even with minimal IT staff
Affordable cyber expertise
DFIR, legal, and PR support without needing in-house specialists
Rapid triage
Activate response within one hour of reporting
Regulatory compliance support
Especially important for privacy concerns and trust
Donor confidence
Demonstrates proactive risk management to boards and funders
We're not just here during a claim
Do you have questions about the claims experience, coverages, scenarios, or our pre- and post-claim services?
