Cyber Resilience Starts with Community: 10 Ways LGBTQ+ Organizations Can Stay Safer Online

LGBTQ+ organizations are increasingly reliant on technology to connect communities, deliver services, and protect sensitive information. But with that reliance comes added cybersecurity risks, which means it must be treated as an organizational priority, not just an IT issue.

This was the central message of LGBT Tech’s “10 Tips for Cyber Resilience for LGBTQ+ Organizations” webinar, where Program Manager Samantha Sygier (She/Her), Director of Programs Kristen Kelley (She/They), and Executive Director Chris Wood (He/Him) explored how nonprofits and community organizations can better prepare for today’s evolving digital landscape.

At LGBT Tech, we believe digital safety is a key part of digital equity. Through our PowerOn Program and newly launched Cyber Safety Guidebook, we're helping LGBTQ+ organizations strengthen their digital foundations so they can continue their mission with confidence.

Here are ten practical tips discussed throughout the session to improve your organization’s cyber resilience:

1. Think Beyond Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is about preventing attacks, but we can’t stop there. Kelley explained that cyber resilience goes further, encompassing an organization’s ability to anticipate, withstand, recover from, and adapt to cyber incidents.

Resilient organizations prepare for the reality that incidents may happen and develop plans to continue operating, recover quickly, and learn from every experience. That means combining technical protections with policies, training, and organizational planning.

Cyber resilience isn’t a one-time achievement; it’s an ongoing process and commitment.

2. Secure Shared Computers

Many LGBTQ+ community centers and nonprofits provide public computer access, making shared devices an important part of serving the community. 

To better protect user data and privacy, organizations should:

• Restrict user permissions

• Configure devices for public use

• Reset computers between users

• Limit unnecessary administrative access

  
  

3. Separate Public and Staff Networks

If your organization offers guest Wi-Fi, it shouldn’t share the same network as staff devices.

Creating separate networks for employees and visitors helps reduce risk while protecting sensitive organizational information. Also, using an internet service provider that prioritizes security is key.

4. Keep Software Updated

Software updates often include critical security patches that fix newly discovered vulnerabilities. Delaying updates can leave organizations exposed to attacks with already known solutions. Keeping operating systems, browsers, and applications current remains one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve security.

5. Protect Your Physical Devices

Cyber resilience goes beyond software. Laptops, tablets, and other devices should be protected from theft, accidental damage, and environmental risks. Organizations should establish procedures for securing computer labs after hours, limiting food and drinks near equipment, and ensuring devices are covered by insurance whenever possible.

6. Practice Good Device Hygiene

Everyday digital habits can also drastically improve an organization’s cyber resilience.

Organizations should:

• Use reputable antivirus and anti-malware software

• Remove unused applications

• Regularly review app permissions

• Use password managers

• Enable device locking and remote wipe features

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7. Browse More Safely

Web browsers are one of the primary ways organizations interact with online services; therefore, it’s one of the most common points of risk exposure.

Keep browsers updated, review privacy settings, regularly clear cookies, understand how browsing data is used, and consider privacy-enhancing tools or trusted browser extensions. Additionally, as AI-powered browsers become more common, it’s important to understand whether your browsing activity is being used to train AI systems.

8. Use AI Responsibly

Artificial intelligence is becoming more a part of our everyday work. During the webinar, Wood advocated for organizations to approach it intentionally and without fear, saying, “AI is a tool. It is not a human replacement.”

Organizations should establish clear guardrails. Some best practices include:

• Never enter sensitive or confidential information into AI chatbots

• Create an internal AI usage policy

• Provide clear context when using AI tools

• Always have a human review AI-generated content

• Edit outputs to reflect your organization’s authentic voice and lived experience

Kelley also stressed that while AI can improve efficiency, “[it] does not have the genuine empathy and experience that you or your staff do.”

9. Build a Culture of Continuous Learning

Technology changes quickly, and cyber resilience requires ongoing education.

Staff, volunteers, and leadership should receive regular training on emerging threats, safe technology practices, updated best practices, and organizational policies. The strongest security tools are only effective when your team understands how to use them well.

10. Choose Trusted Technology Partners

Organizations should always evaluate products and services carefully, from internet providers to virtual private networks (VPNs) to browsers to password managers. Looking for transparent privacy policies is crucial, and understanding how these service providers collect and store your data will help ensure resiliency. Organizations such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have published guidance, so seeking vendors that follow established cybersecurity standards in line with that guidance is key.

Cyber Resilience is an Investment in Community

For LGBTQ+ organizations, digital safety isn’t just about protecting devices—it’s about protecting the people who depend on them.

When organizations build strong cyber resilience, they’re better equipped to safeguard sensitive information, maintain essential services, and create trusted spaces for the LGBTQ+ community.

That’s why LGBT Tech continues to invest in resources like the Cyber Safety Guidebook: because every organization deserves the knowledge and tools to stay safe in our digital world.

Cyber resilience is about being prepared, staying informed, and ensuring that no matter what challenges may or may not emerge, our communities remain connected, supported, and empowered.