How a Faith-Based Not-for-Profit in York Region Strengthened Its Cybersecurity & Reduced Risk
A real story of improved security, better staff awareness, and a stronger IT foundation all without stretching a non-profit budget.
Client Snapshot
Industry: Faith-Based Not-for-Profit
Location: York Region
Team Size: ~40 staff (mix of residential and support teams)
Key Challenge: Handling sensitive client information while lacking formal cybersecurity structure
This organization serves people with complex needs and relies on stable, secure technology to operate day to day.
The Situation
Before partnering with Foundation BTS, the organization was facing mounting risks:
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A recent cyber incident resulted in financial loss
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A compromised email account put personal data at risk
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No investigation or follow-up was ever performed
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Critical systems were not being monitored
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Backups were inconsistent and unreliable
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Infrastructure was aging
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They relied entirely on a single independent IT technician
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Leadership had limited visibility into their environment
They knew things weren’t as secure as they needed to be – but they didn’t have a clear path forward.
Key Risks Identified
During our initial assessment and onboarding process, we uncovered several high-impact risks that required immediate attention:
Unreliable Backup Systems
Backups were inconsistent and manual, creating a serious risk of data loss – especially for financial and sensitive client information.
Weak Identity Security
Critical cloud accounts lacked modern security controls, leaving email and file systems vulnerable to credential theft and unauthorized access.
Outdated Security Controls
Their environment did not align with recommended cybersecurity baselines, making them an easy target for modern threats.
Aging Hardware Infrastructure
Staff were using slow, outdated computers that were no longer receiving updates – increasing both cybersecurity and operational risk.
Lack of Governance & Visibility
There were no security policies, no standards, and no reporting, so leadership had no way to see risk or measure improvement over time.
No Incident Response or Recovery Plan
Without a clear plan, even a small cyber incident could cause significant operational disruption.
⚙️ How Foundation BTS Helped
We used our structured Stabilize → Secure → Support approach — the same model we use for non-profits and small organizations across York Region, Toronto, and the GTA.
Step 1: Stabilized the Environment
We addressed core performance issues, cleaned up the environment, and deployed our monitoring and management tools across all devices.
Highlights:
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Replaced faulty network components that were slowing down the entire building
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Improved device performance and reliability
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Provided staff with faster, more responsive support
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Gave leadership immediate visibility into the health of their IT environment
This created a stable foundation for security and future improvements.
Step 2: Strengthened Security & Reduced Risk
Next, we secured their cloud environment, identities, and data.
What we implemented:
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Modern identity security (MFA, conditional access, credential hardening)
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Proper cloud backup for email, files, and critical data
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Network segmentation and monitoring
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Baseline controls aligned to recommended cybersecurity standards
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Proactive alerts so threats are detected early
After years of operating without real security measures, this brought the organization to a much more secure and compliant posture.
Step 3: Empowered Their Staff
Technology alone doesn’t create cybersecurity — people do.
We delivered practical, non-technical training built specifically for non-profit teams:
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Password management coaching
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Safe email practices & phishing awareness
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Training on using everyday tools (email, documents, sharing)
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Incident reporting processes
Staff now feel confident, supported, and more capable of keeping data safe.
Step 4: Built a Long-Term Partnership
Finally, we transitioned them into our fully managed IT and cybersecurity service, which includes:
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Daily monitoring and management
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24/7 security event detection
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Ongoing updates and patching
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Monthly onsite visits
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Backup verification and recovery support
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Quarterly IT Business Reviews (vCIO)
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Planning for future upgrades and improvements
Leadership now has a roadmap, clarity, and a partner they trust.
The Results
The organization now benefits from:
✔ A stable, modern, and secure IT environment
✔ Significant reduction in cybersecurity risk
✔ Faster, more reliable support for staff
✔ Stronger processes for protecting personal and confidential information
✔ Greater visibility into technology, risk, and future planning
✔ A proactive approach instead of a fire-fighting approach
Most importantly:
They have built a culture of cybersecurity – without stretching their non-profit budget.
Key Takeaways
Working with Foundation BTS helped this faith-based non-profit:
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Reduce cybersecurity risk across email, identity, and data systems
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Stabilize their technology environment, eliminating recurring performance issues
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Restore trust and confidence after a previous cyber incident
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Improve staff awareness with user-friendly training and better habits
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Gain leadership visibility through reporting, monitoring, and strategic reviews
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Replace uncertainty with a proactive, reliable IT partnership
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Protect sensitive client and resident information without overwhelming their budget
This section reinforces results quickly and helps prospects skim – which is key for conversions.
What the Client Had to Say
“Working with Foundation BTS has been an outstanding experience for our organization. They have been consistently supportive, attentive, and genuinely understanding of our needs. Their team brings a depth of knowledge and a sense of calm that we truly appreciate, especially during times when technical issues can feel overwhelming.
Every member of the Foundation BTS team is approachable, patient, and easy to work with. Our support requests are handled promptly, with professionalism, care, and thorough follow-up. Each member is committed to ensuring our systems run smoothly and that we feel confident and supported every step of the way.
Additionally, Foundation BTS’ responsiveness and dedication have transformed our overall IT experience, replacing uncertainty with reliability and trust. Their proactive guidance, clear communication, and comprehensive approach to cybersecurity have given us a level of assurance we have not felt before.”
— Michelle C.
Want Similar Results for Your Organization?
Foundation BTS helps non-profits, healthcare organizations, and community service groups across York Region, Toronto, and the GTA create secure, reliable IT environments that support their mission.
