Error 404: Making Sense of Tech
- How Does Technology Help Me To Be Human? (1)
- Reach The Lost On Social Media (2)
- Cybersecurity For Churches (5)
Since the pandemic, many churches have rightly embraced technology; however, gone are the days when they can rely on cybersecurity by faith alone. Cybercrime has been running rampant in 2025. One of the metrics by which the state of cybercrime is measured is by tracking the number of ransomware victims every year. For context, ransomware is a strain of computer viruses that lock a victim’s files and then demand a payment from the victim to get their files back. So far, 2025 has seen record numbers of ransomware victims month to month compared to all years prior. This means that cybercrime and issues relating to cybersecurity are becoming more prevalent, and as it does, we need to be prepared.
Phishing
One common threat facing churches is phishing. This is where a malicious actor sends fraudulent messages or emails that trick recipients into sharing sensitive information or money. Because church communities are built on trust, they can be especially vulnerable to phishing. If a hacker gains access to a member’s email, they can impersonate them and request money or sensitive information. Since church members naturally trust one another, we may unknowingly respond to the attacker’s request. As the attacker gains control of more accounts, the issue can quickly spiral (particularly given how connected Christians are). The solution, of course, is not to be less trusting of one another in general, but to be especially careful when interacting with one another’s virtual identities, particularly when they involve money or sensitive details.
A simple measure for individuals and churches to secure their accounts (particularly email addresses) is to use two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication secures your account by requiring you to provide a second piece of information, in addition to your password, to log in. Typically, this information will be a code sent to your phone that you enter alongside your password.
Storing sensitive information
Mission partners
Churches, in particular church leaders, should be extremely cautious about the digital platforms they use to talk about or store information about their missionaries. Missionaries, particularly those who serve in high-risk countries, could be at risk of being targeted by government-backed hackers within those countries to determine their true purpose within the country. One method by which government-backed hackers could obtain information about a missionary is by targeting individuals and organisations that communicate with them. Churches must be vigilant to ensure that they don’t inadvertently put their mission partner in harm’s way. Church staff and elders should ensure that the information they store digitally about their mission partners is kept to an absolute minimum.
Data protection
Any personally identifiable information that a church holds on its members must legally be kept to a minimum, be accurate, and erased if requested by the individual. Additionally, that data cannot be distributed without each member’s consent, and if physical copies of such data are provided, they must be stored securely. Rather than distribute physical copies of its membership, it is far safer for a church to use applications that specialise in this.
Audit online accounts regularly
Old websites or social media accounts can become common targets for cyberattacks because attackers know that they can take hold of them without the original owner noticing. Attackers can then use these websites or social media accounts to deceive their users into downloading viruses or providing sensitive information. Churches should conduct regular audits of their online presence to ensure that they are aware of all their online accounts and remove any that are outdated or inactive.
While this article touches on some of the online risks, the goal isn’t to scare churches away from technology. In a growing digital age, we need to be aware of changing threats to church life and guard against them. It is also good to recognise that when used wisely, digital technology can offer many blessings; it can enhance ministry, as well as aid our connections and our communication.
