Churches today rely more than ever on technology to support their mission. Online donation platforms, livestream services, cloud-based management tools, and digital communications have become part of everyday church operations. But these advancements come with risks that many faith communities don’t fully address. Usually, the people managing church technology are volunteers balancing many roles, and IT strategies often lag behind the convenience these tools offer.

According to a 2025 report by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), nonprofit organizations, including churches, experienced a 38% increase in cyberattacks in the past year. Many of these attacks exploited basic security gaps that could have been prevented with stronger protections.

This gap opens doors for data breaches, service disruptions, and privacy issues that can harm your congregation’s trust and the work you do. Faith-based cybersecurity requires understanding the unique challenges churches face—shared devices, open-access networks, and tight budgets that don’t always fit typical business IT approaches.

You don’t have to accept these risks as unavoidable. A knowledgeable cybersecurity services provider can help you identify and close common security gaps specific to church environments. Here 10 often-overlooked vulnerabilities to watch for in your technology setup—and practical steps to strengthen them.

1. Underprotected Wi-Fi Networks

Many churches provide free Wi-Fi to guests, volunteers, and staff, but these networks are often left open or secured with weak passwords. This makes it easy for unauthorized users to connect and potentially access sensitive information. When someone connects to an unsecured network, they can intercept data like donor details or staff communications. In some cases, hackers have exploited these weak points to launch ransomware attacks on church systems.

• Set up separate Wi-Fi networks for guests and for staff or volunteers handling sensitive data.
• Use strong, unique passwords for each network and update them regularly.
• Enable WPA3 encryption on your routers for better protection.
• Keep router firmware up to date to fix known vulnerabilities.

Securing your Wi-Fi network reduces the chance of unauthorized access and protects your data. Small changes here can prevent significant risks.

2. Shared Devices Without Proper Controls

In many churches, several people share the same devices such as computers or tablets, often with a single login or shared passwords. This setup makes it difficult to control who accesses what and raises the risk of accidental data exposure or changes. Without individual user accounts, tracking user activity during a security incident becomes nearly impossible. This lack of control can compromise both privacy and accountability.

• Create individual user accounts with strong passwords for each person.
• Limit access permissions based on roles to prevent unnecessary data exposure.
• Use device management features to restrict apps and functions for shared devices.
• Encourage users to log out after their session to keep accounts secure.

By managing shared devices properly, you protect sensitive information and make it easier to respond to any security issues.

3. Lack of Regular Software Updates and Patches

Church software and devices often run outdated versions because volunteers may not have the time or expertise to keep them current. However, unpatched systems leave security holes open for attackers to exploit. For example, a church’s donor management platform was compromised after skipping important updates, leading to a data breach. Keeping software up to date is a simple but crucial defense.

• Schedule regular times to check for and install updates on all devices.
• Enable automatic updates whenever available to reduce manual work.
• Download software only from trusted, official sources.
• Remove unused or unsupported software that no longer receives security patches.

Updating software protects your systems without extra hassle and reduces vulnerabilities. It’s always best to stop threats before they even start.

4. Missing or Incomplete Backup and Continuity Plans

Many churches lack reliable backup systems or clear plans for IT disruptions. This leaves critical data like donation records, member lists, and sermon archives at risk of permanent loss from hardware failure, malware, or accidents. One church lost all digital files when a flood damaged their server, halting operations for weeks. Having a backup and recovery plan keeps your ministry running smoothly during emergencies.

• Set up automated backups for important data and store copies offsite or in the cloud.
• Test backups regularly to ensure files can be restored successfully.
• Create a simple continuity plan outlining key steps during IT interruptions.
• Keep a contact list of IT support or cybersecurity services provider contacts for emergencies.

Being prepared with backups and a plan helps you recover quickly and avoid costly downtime. It’s also one way to show that your congregation is ready to carry out your mission even at the most unexpected challenging times.

5. Inadequate Training for Volunteers and Staff

Volunteers and staff often handle church technology without clear guidance on security best practices. This can lead to mistakes like clicking phishing links, sharing passwords, or exposing files unintentionally. For example, several churches have fallen victim to phishing scams where attackers pose as leadership requesting gift card purchases. Training helps everyone recognize risks and act safely.

• Provide straightforward training on common cyber threats and safe behaviors.
• Teach how to identify suspicious emails and avoid risky links or attachments.
• Explain the importance of strong passwords and regular software updates.
• Send periodic reminders and updates to keep security top of mind.

Simple, ongoing education builds a culture of security that protects your church’s data and reputation.

6. Weak Password Practices

Using simple, repeated, or shared passwords puts accounts at serious risk. When one password is compromised, attackers can access multiple systems. A church’s social media account was once hijacked this way, leading to inappropriate posts and damaging trust. Strong, unique passwords are a key defense, especially when paired with multi-factor authentication (MFA).

• Encourage everyone to create long, unique passwords for each account.
• Use password managers to help manage complex passwords securely.
• Enable MFA on all accounts that support it, adding a second verification step.
• Avoid sharing passwords or writing them down where others can find them.

Improving password habits significantly reduces the chance of unauthorized access.

7. Insufficient Control Over Cloud Services

Cloud platforms simplify managing donations, communications, and files but can increase risk if access isn’t carefully managed. Churches sometimes give broad permissions or forget to disable accounts when volunteers leave. In one case, an ex-volunteer still had donor platform access and deleted important records. Regular access reviews prevent these issues.

• Regularly audit user accounts and remove inactive or unnecessary access.
• Assign permissions based on actual job roles, using role-based access controls.
• Monitor cloud activity for unusual behavior or unauthorized changes.
• Set up alerts for new login locations or multiple failed login attempts.

Controlling cloud access protects your data and helps maintain trust with your community.

8. Unsecured Livestreaming and Event Technology

Livestreaming has become a valuable outreach tool, but it can expose your network if not properly secured. If the equipment connects directly to your main network without separation, attackers might disrupt services or gain access to other systems. There have been instances where unauthorized users took control of livestreams and shared inappropriate content.

• Isolate livestreaming devices on a separate, secure network.
• Protect access with strong, unique passwords and update streaming software regularly.
• Limit who can operate or access livestream equipment.
• Monitor livestreams when possible to detect and respond to issues quickly.

Securing your event technology keeps services running smoothly and your community safe.

9. Poor Vendor and Service Provider Oversight

Churches often work with third-party vendors for software, donations, and hardware. Without vetting their cybersecurity practices, these partnerships can become weak links. A church experienced a data breach after a vendor’s compromised system exposed member data. Many churches don’t regularly review vendor contracts or security policies.

• Establish a clear incident response plan with roles and steps defined.
• Partner with a cybersecurity services provider experienced in faith-based environments.
• Set up ongoing monitoring to catch threats early and respond quickly.
• Provide your volunteers with access to expert support when needed.

Selecting partners who prioritize faith-based cybersecurity strengthens your overall protection.

10. Limited IT Support and Response Resources

Many churches depend on volunteers or part-time helpers for IT support. Without dedicated expertise or incident response plans, threats can go unnoticed or cause greater damage. Some churches only discover breaches months after they occur because of limited monitoring.

• Establish a clear incident response plan with roles and steps defined.
• Partner with a cybersecurity services provider experienced in faith-based environments.
• Set up ongoing monitoring to catch threats early and respond quickly.
• Provide your volunteers with access to expert support when needed.

Having reliable IT support and response resources reduces risk and protects your church’s mission.

Secure Your Mission with Smart Faith-Based Cybersecurity

Your church’s mission depends on trust, connection, and smooth operations. Protecting your people and data doesn’t require overwhelming complexity or large budgets. By addressing these often-overlooked security gaps, you can build a safer technology environment tailored to your unique needs.

Simple steps like securing Wi-Fi, managing user accounts, keeping software updated, and training your team go a long way. Regularly reviewing access rights and backing up data prepares you to handle incidents calmly and effectively.

Working with a cybersecurity services provider who understands faith-based cybersecurity, such as Lamb Telecom, offers an added layer of confidence. We can help you close gaps, stay current on threats, and maintain focus on your ministry. 

Reach out today and schedule a complimentary consultation. Learn how tailored technology support can protect your church’s mission, empower your volunteers, and keep your community safe.