Artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing fast—and with it, the risks your nonprofit faces. While AI tools can help staff and volunteers save time, attackers also use the same technology to trick, scam, and steal.
It’s natural to feel uneasy about headlines warning of “AI cyberattacks.” But here’s the truth: the biggest danger isn’t the AI itself. It’s how AI-powered attacks create cyber liability that impacts your mission, your donors, and your reputation.
Let’s cut through the noise and spotlight the three AI-driven risks your nonprofit really needs to prepare for.
1. Deepfake Doppelgängers in Video Calls
Keywords: AI deepfake scams nonprofits, nonprofit cyber liability deepfakes
AI-generated deepfakes are so realistic that they’re already being used in scams. Imagine joining a Zoom call where familiar leaders appear on screen—but they’re fakes. In one case, attackers used deepfake videos of executives to trick an employee into installing malicious software.
For nonprofits, the liability fallout can be severe:
- Operational: staff misled into giving attackers system access.
- Reputational: donors question your stewardship if leadership is “fooled.”
- Insurance: carriers may demand proof of stronger identity verification.
What to do:
- Slow down—don’t act on unusual requests without verification.
- Watch for subtle signs: odd lighting, delayed responses, unnatural movements.
- Create a board-approved call-back or two-factor verification process for sensitive actions.
2. AI-Powered Phishing Emails
Keywords: AI phishing attacks nonprofits, nonprofit cyber insurance phishing
Phishing has always been the most common cyberattack, but AI makes it harder to detect. Attackers now use AI to craft perfect, typo-free emails in multiple languages, making scams look more legitimate than ever.
For nonprofits, phishing isn’t just about losing a password. It creates cyber liability across multiple fronts:
- Legal: exposure if donor or client data is stolen.
- Regulatory: PCI DSS issues if payment data is involved.
- Operational: interruptions as staff scramble to contain damage.
What to do:
- Require multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts.
- Train staff quarterly with phishing simulations and real-world examples.
- Encourage a “see something, say something” culture where reporting suspicious emails is rewarded, not punished.
3. Malicious “AI Tools” Disguised as Software
Keywords: fake AI tools malware nonprofits, nonprofit cyber risk AI apps
Attackers are quick to exploit trends. Right now, that means fake “AI tools” that look legitimate—but deliver malware instead.
We’ve already seen malicious “AI video generators” and counterfeit AI apps spreading across social media. They work just enough to appear real but infect systems behind the scenes.
For nonprofits, downloading the wrong tool can:
- Install ransomware that locks up donor or client data.
- Disrupt mission-critical operations for weeks.
- Lead to lawsuits, insurance denials, and lost funding.
What to do:
- Never download AI apps without vetting them first.
- Ask your IT partner (or MTS) to review new tools before use.
- Train staff to be skeptical of “free AI hacks” or “too-good-to-be-true” software.
The Real AI Risk: Cyber Liability, Not Science Fiction
AI itself isn’t out to get you—but attackers using AI to fuel scams and malware absolutely put your nonprofit at risk. The real danger is how these attacks create cyber liability that touches your reputation, your funding, and your mission.
That’s why cybersecurity isn’t just about technology. It’s about stewardship. Donors, funders, and boards expect proof that you’re protecting their trust.
By focusing on deepfake awareness, phishing defenses, and smart vetting of AI tools, you’re not just reducing risk—you’re strengthening donor trust and showing your board you’re in control.
Start Reducing Your Risk Today
You don’t need to stay spooked by AI headlines. What you need is clarity on where your nonprofit stands, and guidance on the practical steps that reduce your liability.
👉 Begin with a Complimentary Cyber Risk Assessment:
It’s not a sales pitch—it’s a simple conversation that helps you see your current risks, prove stewardship to your board, and take action before a scare turns into a storm.
Because once you understand the storm, you can finally navigate it with confidence.
