Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 5 November 2026

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters.

7 Cybersecurity Risks Every Church Leader Needs To Know About

Church cybersecurity is more than an IT concern; it also affects finances, legal responsibilities, operations, and governance. This article from Church Leaders article highlights seven risks:

• AI-enhanced fraud
• Phishing, social engineering, and human error
• Vulnerable software
• Exposure of sensitive information and data privacy concerns
• Third-party vendor vulnerabilities
• The financial consequences of cyber incidents
• Overreliance on cyber liability insurance

The supplied church cybersecurity checklist and FAQ emphasizes recognizing phishing, using strong passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, and updating software. Staff should also treat unexpected authentication requests as warning signs, and leaders should view cyber liability insurance as a complement for strong cybersecurity practices.

Analyst Comments: Churches face cybersecurity risks that extend beyond IT systems, potentially affecting finances, sensitive member information, and daily operations. AI-enhanced fraud and phishing make it easier for attackers to impersonate church leadership, while outdated software and third-party vendor vulnerabilities create additional opportunities for unauthorized access. 

2026 Faith-Based Pre-Holiday Virtual Workshop 11/19/26

Designed specifically for Houses of Worship, this free webinar will cover online safety and facility security during the busy holiday season

The Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our faith-based communities by promoting prevention, partnership, preparedness, and community resilience.

Designed specifically for Houses of Worship, this webinar will cover two important areas of seasonal security:

• Online Safety During the Holiday Shopping Season: Learn how to recognize and avoid common cyber threats, scams, and online risks that increase during the busy holiday shopping season.
• Facility Security for Holiday Gatherings: Explore ways to prepare your buildings for holiday services, events, and gatherings. With larger crowds, increased attendance, and more open public access, the holiday season presents unique security challenges for Houses of Worship.

Gain practical insights and strategies to help protect your organization, its people, and its facilities throughout the holiday season.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Trina Schellhammer, Public Engagement Manager, Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security, at [email protected].

Visit our website at www.homelandsecurity.pa.gov to learn more about training

When: Thursday, November 19: 10 AM – 12 PM EST

Reserve a spot Here.