Hacking for Good is a 501c(3) organization that supports small, community-based nonprofit organizations by evaluating their cybersecurity posture and providing guidance to help strengthen cyber resilience.
Hacking for Good leverages a strong volunteer core to provide low-cost cybersecurity guidance and foundational one-time services to help small nonprofits better understand and secure their cyber infrastructures. Example services include internal network scans, packet capture audits, simulated phishing exercises, Cyber Maturity Model Certification (Level 1) support, and NIST Cybersecurity Best Practice guidance.
The volunteer talent base for Hacking for Good draws from the strong cybersecurity professional expertise in the government sector in and around Columbia, MD, particularly volunteers from the military cybersecurity community.
Hacking for Good strengthens the digital resilience of other nonprofits that might otherwise struggle securing their networks and data. Through our work, we’re equipping nonprofits with the knowledge and tools they need to strengthen their ability to safeguard critical information, prevent cyber attacks, and stay prepared in the face of evolving threats. By providing tailored cybersecurity assessments, we help organizations identify vulnerabilities, strengthen their defenses, and build a culture of digital resilience. The impact extends far beyond technical safeguards—our support protects sensitive data, preserves the trust of donors and beneficiaries, and ensures that critical missions can continue without disruption. Every nonprofit we assist strengthens the broader ecosystem of social good.
Hacking for Good measures outcomes in two key areas, Awareness of Cybersecurity Posture and Preparedness to Take Action. To assess progress in these areas, we conduct customized surveys of key organizational stakeholders, capturing shifts in their understanding of cybersecurity risks and their ability to plan for and communicate security priorities with leadership. These insights allow us to translate awareness into action—empowering nonprofits to develop internal policies, improve communication across teams, and make informed decisions about digital security. By continuously gathering data and refining our programs based on real-world feedback, we ensure that our efforts lead to sustained, meaningful improvements in cybersecurity readiness across the nonprofit ecosystem.