Author: Anne Strong

Website Security: Is your front door open?

GRF Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Scorecard Blog Series     Identifying and mitigating website risks Data breaches are costly, and the monetary risk is massive. According to a recent IBM report, the average total cost of a data breach in the U.S. is $8.64 million, but even a smaller number can be devastating, depending on the…

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Content Delivery Network (CDN) Security: What are the risks?

GRF Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Scorecard Blog Series     Organizations use their online presence to attract donors, members, and clients from around the globe – often using videos, pictures, and interactive resources to engage these visitors. It is essential for web pages and content to load quickly because delays in load time could mean the…

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Patch Management: Eliminating Vulnerabilities

GRF Cybersecurity Risk Assessment and Scorecard Blog Series     The threat of cyberattacks is frightening, persistent, and can affect any organization, big or small. One way to mitigate this risk is to be sure your computer software and operating systems are up to date. Software vendors regularly release system updates, or “patches,” which are designed…

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Elements of Successful Nonprofit Cybersecurity

Nonprofits are more reliant on technology than ever before to deliver on their mission. The integration of digital technology into all aspects of the organization, or digital transformation, provides a number of new opportunities, but it also provides the possibility for additional security issues. Not only are there more ways to be attacked than ever…

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The Bow Tie Method Addresses Risk Holistically

By Jay Mui, PMP, MBA | Supervisor, Risk & Advisory Services Well if you are being literal, 17th century Croatian mercenaries would use a scarf to hold together the openings at the neck of their shirts. King Louis XIII, a great employer of these mercenaries, so enjoyed and promoted this look that it soon became…

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Navigating the New Meals and Entertainment Deductions under TCJA

By Marc Neri, EA, CVA | Supervisor, Tax It is common for businesses to dine and entertain clients, vendors, and potential employees as part of their efforts to maintain beneficial business relationships. While these expenses are both common and allowable, the related tax benefits may be long gone thanks to tax reform.1 In 2017, Congress…

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Why Associations Are Implementing Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

By Melissa Musser, CPA, CITP, CISA | Principal, Risk & Advisory Services For years, associations have taken a siloed approach to risk management, focusing on areas like cybersecurity. More are now widening their nets, using ERM to ensure unexpected dangers don’t derail their association. When it comes to risk management, some may think of areas…

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What Every Board Member Should Know about the Financial Statement Audit

By Omid Mohebbi, CPA | Audit Supervisor As members of a nonprofit board of directors, you and your board colleagues are charged with considering a variety of matters as part of your fiduciary duty to safeguard the organization. Even if you are not part of a designated audit or finance committee, as a member of…

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An Audit Committee Offers Substantial Value Beyond the Audit

By Laura Malcom, CPA | Audit Manager Most nonprofit organizations today are led by a volunteer board of directors responsible for helping the group achieve its mission while providing sound governance and financial management1. In keeping with their fiduciary duty to provide effective financial oversight, many boards appoint an audit committee if not already required…

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Developing Our Women Leaders Requires Hands-On Involvement

By Jackie Cardello, CPA | Managing Partner What does it mean to inspire young women leaders? It is much more than lip service to hiring and promoting women and internal policies meant to encourage leadership. While progressive policies, leadership development, and mentoring programs are all important, leading by example is the most powerful message. As…

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