The Symantec Internet Threat Report showed that more than 429 million identities were exposed in 2015. And despite noble missions, nonprofits are not immune. Like businesses, they must also take the critical steps to protect their stakeholders' sensitive information. In the case of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Tri-Peaks, which represents the 15th Judicial District of Arkansas, their data and records include confidential details about each child they serve.
Advocates for Abused and Neglected Children
Across the United States, CASA is known for its steadfast commitment to and advocacy for children. The nonprofit works diligently to provide court-appointed volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children who are involved in the foster care and court system. Last year, more than 76,000 CASA and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers helped more than 251,000 children find safe, permanent homes.
According to CASA, children who have been assigned an advocate through the organization often spend less time in court and within the foster care system than those who do not have CASA representation. They often suffer fewer temporary placements and find safe, permanent homes — or are reunited with their parents — more quickly.
CASA staff and volunteers focus on the children, attending court appointments and providing judges with carefully researched backgrounds. They assist the children in expressing their own voices, which can often go unheard in these official proceedings. Ultimately they advocate for each child to help the court make a sound decision about the child's future.
A Strong Need for Secure Data
Unlike businesses with dedicated IT teams, CASA of the Tri-Peaks has a small staff of two full-time and two part-time employees. These four people advocate on behalf of 200 youth each year and also manage operations — including their technology systems. Their electronic records include personal data not only on their cases, but also on more than 40 community volunteers, financial donors, and staff.
After receiving a local community grant, CASA of the Tri-Peaks had the opportunity to upgrade its computer systems. Through Symantec's software donation partnership with TechSoup, they chose to deploy Symantec's Norton Small Business to protect the organization's data from viruses, spyware, malware, and other security threats. Symantec protects all of CASA's computers and tablets.
Symantec products help this small but nimble CASA team focus on the children they serve, making a lasting impact and forever changing lives.
