Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Romanos Boraine

Author

Author

Romanos Boraine

Romanos Boraine

Category

Free Resources

Free Resources

Date

19 May 2025

19 May 2025

Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Break Your Budget

Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Break Your Budget

Cybersecurity Doesn’t Have to Break Your Budget

This guide spotlights the best free or discounted cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits and startups can use to protect their systems and data. From secure email and password managers to endpoint protection and threat awareness, these tools help small teams operate safely online — even with limited budgets.

Unsure where to begin?
Book a free consult to unpack your risks and explore whether a Digital Systems Audit or AI Readiness Audit could streamline your IT and boost protection.
👉 Book a free strategy call

This guide spotlights the best free or discounted cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits and startups can use to protect their systems and data. From secure email and password managers to endpoint protection and threat awareness, these tools help small teams operate safely online — even with limited budgets.

Unsure where to begin?
Book a free consult to unpack your risks and explore whether a Digital Systems Audit or AI Readiness Audit could streamline your IT and boost protection.
👉 Book a free strategy call

This guide spotlights the best free or discounted cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits and startups can use to protect their systems and data. From secure email and password managers to endpoint protection and threat awareness, these tools help small teams operate safely online — even with limited budgets.

Unsure where to begin?
Book a free consult to unpack your risks and explore whether a Digital Systems Audit or AI Readiness Audit could streamline your IT and boost protection.
👉 Book a free strategy call

Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)
Top 11 Free Cybersecurity & IT Tools for Nonprofits in South Africa (2025)

Quick Overview: Cybersecurity Tools for South African Nonprofits

Quick Overview: Cybersecurity Tools for South African Nonprofits

Quick Overview: Cybersecurity Tools for South African Nonprofits

#

Tool

Summary

1

Cloudflare Project Galileo

Free enterprise-grade website protection (DDoS, WAF, CDN) for public interest organisations.

2

Okta for Good

Identity management with free SSO and MFA for up to 50 users.

3

Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Donated antivirus protection with centralised management.

4

Bitwarden

Open-source password manager with nonprofit discounts.

5

Let’s Encrypt

Free SSL certificates to encrypt your website.

6

ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Encrypted email and VPN with nonprofit pricing.

7

2FA Apps (Authy, GA)

Free two-factor authentication apps to secure logins.

8

Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace

Free cloud productivity tools with built-in security.

9

Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet

Network-level threat protection for NGOs and educators.

10

KnowBe4 Awareness Kit

Free cybersecurity training toolkit.

11

Internet Safety Resources

Free monthly tips and staff training toolkits.

#

Tool

Summary

1

Cloudflare Project Galileo

Free enterprise-grade website protection (DDoS, WAF, CDN) for public interest organisations.

2

Okta for Good

Identity management with free SSO and MFA for up to 50 users.

3

Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Donated antivirus protection with centralised management.

4

Bitwarden

Open-source password manager with nonprofit discounts.

5

Let’s Encrypt

Free SSL certificates to encrypt your website.

6

ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Encrypted email and VPN with nonprofit pricing.

7

2FA Apps (Authy, GA)

Free two-factor authentication apps to secure logins.

8

Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace

Free cloud productivity tools with built-in security.

9

Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet

Network-level threat protection for NGOs and educators.

10

KnowBe4 Awareness Kit

Free cybersecurity training toolkit.

11

Internet Safety Resources

Free monthly tips and staff training toolkits.

#

Tool

Summary

1

Cloudflare Project Galileo

Free enterprise-grade website protection (DDoS, WAF, CDN) for public interest organisations.

2

Okta for Good

Identity management with free SSO and MFA for up to 50 users.

3

Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Donated antivirus protection with centralised management.

4

Bitwarden

Open-source password manager with nonprofit discounts.

5

Let’s Encrypt

Free SSL certificates to encrypt your website.

6

ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Encrypted email and VPN with nonprofit pricing.

7

2FA Apps (Authy, GA)

Free two-factor authentication apps to secure logins.

8

Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace

Free cloud productivity tools with built-in security.

9

Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet

Network-level threat protection for NGOs and educators.

10

KnowBe4 Awareness Kit

Free cybersecurity training toolkit.

11

Internet Safety Resources

Free monthly tips and staff training toolkits.

Tool Details: Cybersecurity Software for South African Nonprofits

Tool Details: Cybersecurity Software for South African Nonprofits

Tool Details: Cybersecurity Software for South African Nonprofits

Explore the top cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits can use to protect their systems and data. Each tool listed below offers either a free or heavily discounted nonprofit plan. Click the tool name to visit the official site.

1. Cloudflare Project Galileo

Description

Enterprise-grade website protection for nonprofits. Includes DDoS mitigation, content delivery network (CDN), web application firewall (WAF), and traffic filtering.

Benefits

Keeps websites online during cyberattacks, increases loading speed, and provides advanced protection tools at no cost.

Use-cases

Ideal for NGOs hosting sensitive content or advocacy campaigns vulnerable to attack. Boosts both uptime and credibility.

Register

Apply at cloudflare.com/galileo with your nonprofit credentials.


2. Okta for Good

Description

Okta provides secure single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user access controls.

Benefits

Free for up to 50 users; unifies login credentials and protects all major platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and CRMs.

Use-cases

Small teams managing multiple tools and needing centralised, secure access control.

Register

Submit an application through the Okta for Good Nonprofit Program.


3. Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Description

Business-grade antivirus and endpoint security platform available to nonprofits via TechSoup.

Benefits

Real-time protection, anti-ransomware, firewall, web threat detection. Licences are donated or low-cost for NPOs.

Use-cases

All devices used by staff, including desktops, laptops, and shared terminals.

Register

Join TechSoup South Africa and apply for Bitdefender under the security category.


4. Bitwarden

Description

Encrypted password management tool with secure team sharing. Offers open-source transparency and affordable nonprofit plans.

Benefits

Secure password vaults, team access controls, random generator, and encrypted notes. Free and 50% discounted team plans.

Use-cases

Sharing login credentials for banking, CRM, and donor platforms securely. Encourages strong password hygiene.

Register

Sign up at bitwarden.com, then request nonprofit pricing via support.


5. Let’s Encrypt

Description

Free, automated SSL certificates that secure your site with HTTPS. Trusted globally.

Benefits

Enables secure web encryption without licensing costs. Enhances trust and SEO.

Use-cases

Any website handling donations, personal data, or membership content.

Register

Use Certbot or check if your web host offers one-click Let’s Encrypt setup.


6. ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Description

Encrypted email service and VPN provider based in Switzerland. Built for security and privacy.

Benefits

End-to-end encrypted emails, secure data centres, strong data protection laws. Free and discounted nonprofit plans.

Use-cases

Privacy-critical communications: legal clinics, human rights NGOs, whistleblower platforms.

Register

Create an account at proton.me and request NPO pricing.


7. 2FA Apps: Authy / Google Authenticator

Description

Free apps for generating time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) used in two-factor authentication.

Benefits

Adds a layer of login security beyond passwords. Works offline and supports most major services.

Use-cases

Protecting email, banking, document storage, CRM, and admin tools from phishing.

Register

Download from the App Store or Play Store. Add services via QR code scan.


8. Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Description

Full productivity suites including email, cloud storage, docs, sheets, and video conferencing. Secure, cloud-based, and collaborative.

Benefits

Free to eligible nonprofits with security and compliance features built in (e.g., DLP, 2FA).

Use-cases

Running core operations: communications, reporting, donor documents, and file sharing.

Register

Apply via Phambano Technology or TechSoup ZA.


9. Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet Security Tools

Description

Cloud-delivered threat intelligence, DNS filtering, and network security tools. Fortinet offers training and device-level protection.

Benefits

Blocks malware, phishing, and botnets at DNS level; improves web filtering and network visibility.

Use-cases

Protecting office Wi-Fi, preventing malicious site access, securing network devices.

Register

Explore via Cisco's nonprofit page or local Fortinet Security Academy partners.


10. KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Awareness Kit

Description

Annual free training kit with cybersecurity videos, checklists, posters, and a phishing quiz.

Benefits

Helps small teams understand and identify common threats. Regular training improves security habits.

Use-cases

Staff induction, monthly awareness moments, internal communication boards.

Register

Download each October at KnowBe4.com.


11. Internet Safety Resources (SANS OUCH!, SAFECyber)

Description

Trusted cybersecurity newsletters and educational content for non-technical users. Updated monthly.

Benefits

Ongoing free training and reminders that reinforce cyber hygiene in teams.

Use-cases

Monthly security email tips, printable office posters, quarterly workshop content.

Register

Subscribe via SANS OUCH! or SAFECyber.

Explore the top cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits can use to protect their systems and data. Each tool listed below offers either a free or heavily discounted nonprofit plan. Click the tool name to visit the official site.

1. Cloudflare Project Galileo

Description

Enterprise-grade website protection for nonprofits. Includes DDoS mitigation, content delivery network (CDN), web application firewall (WAF), and traffic filtering.

Benefits

Keeps websites online during cyberattacks, increases loading speed, and provides advanced protection tools at no cost.

Use-cases

Ideal for NGOs hosting sensitive content or advocacy campaigns vulnerable to attack. Boosts both uptime and credibility.

Register

Apply at cloudflare.com/galileo with your nonprofit credentials.


2. Okta for Good

Description

Okta provides secure single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user access controls.

Benefits

Free for up to 50 users; unifies login credentials and protects all major platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and CRMs.

Use-cases

Small teams managing multiple tools and needing centralised, secure access control.

Register

Submit an application through the Okta for Good Nonprofit Program.


3. Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Description

Business-grade antivirus and endpoint security platform available to nonprofits via TechSoup.

Benefits

Real-time protection, anti-ransomware, firewall, web threat detection. Licences are donated or low-cost for NPOs.

Use-cases

All devices used by staff, including desktops, laptops, and shared terminals.

Register

Join TechSoup South Africa and apply for Bitdefender under the security category.


4. Bitwarden

Description

Encrypted password management tool with secure team sharing. Offers open-source transparency and affordable nonprofit plans.

Benefits

Secure password vaults, team access controls, random generator, and encrypted notes. Free and 50% discounted team plans.

Use-cases

Sharing login credentials for banking, CRM, and donor platforms securely. Encourages strong password hygiene.

Register

Sign up at bitwarden.com, then request nonprofit pricing via support.


5. Let’s Encrypt

Description

Free, automated SSL certificates that secure your site with HTTPS. Trusted globally.

Benefits

Enables secure web encryption without licensing costs. Enhances trust and SEO.

Use-cases

Any website handling donations, personal data, or membership content.

Register

Use Certbot or check if your web host offers one-click Let’s Encrypt setup.


6. ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Description

Encrypted email service and VPN provider based in Switzerland. Built for security and privacy.

Benefits

End-to-end encrypted emails, secure data centres, strong data protection laws. Free and discounted nonprofit plans.

Use-cases

Privacy-critical communications: legal clinics, human rights NGOs, whistleblower platforms.

Register

Create an account at proton.me and request NPO pricing.


7. 2FA Apps: Authy / Google Authenticator

Description

Free apps for generating time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) used in two-factor authentication.

Benefits

Adds a layer of login security beyond passwords. Works offline and supports most major services.

Use-cases

Protecting email, banking, document storage, CRM, and admin tools from phishing.

Register

Download from the App Store or Play Store. Add services via QR code scan.


8. Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Description

Full productivity suites including email, cloud storage, docs, sheets, and video conferencing. Secure, cloud-based, and collaborative.

Benefits

Free to eligible nonprofits with security and compliance features built in (e.g., DLP, 2FA).

Use-cases

Running core operations: communications, reporting, donor documents, and file sharing.

Register

Apply via Phambano Technology or TechSoup ZA.


9. Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet Security Tools

Description

Cloud-delivered threat intelligence, DNS filtering, and network security tools. Fortinet offers training and device-level protection.

Benefits

Blocks malware, phishing, and botnets at DNS level; improves web filtering and network visibility.

Use-cases

Protecting office Wi-Fi, preventing malicious site access, securing network devices.

Register

Explore via Cisco's nonprofit page or local Fortinet Security Academy partners.


10. KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Awareness Kit

Description

Annual free training kit with cybersecurity videos, checklists, posters, and a phishing quiz.

Benefits

Helps small teams understand and identify common threats. Regular training improves security habits.

Use-cases

Staff induction, monthly awareness moments, internal communication boards.

Register

Download each October at KnowBe4.com.


11. Internet Safety Resources (SANS OUCH!, SAFECyber)

Description

Trusted cybersecurity newsletters and educational content for non-technical users. Updated monthly.

Benefits

Ongoing free training and reminders that reinforce cyber hygiene in teams.

Use-cases

Monthly security email tips, printable office posters, quarterly workshop content.

Register

Subscribe via SANS OUCH! or SAFECyber.

Explore the top cybersecurity and IT tools that South African nonprofits can use to protect their systems and data. Each tool listed below offers either a free or heavily discounted nonprofit plan. Click the tool name to visit the official site.

1. Cloudflare Project Galileo

Description

Enterprise-grade website protection for nonprofits. Includes DDoS mitigation, content delivery network (CDN), web application firewall (WAF), and traffic filtering.

Benefits

Keeps websites online during cyberattacks, increases loading speed, and provides advanced protection tools at no cost.

Use-cases

Ideal for NGOs hosting sensitive content or advocacy campaigns vulnerable to attack. Boosts both uptime and credibility.

Register

Apply at cloudflare.com/galileo with your nonprofit credentials.


2. Okta for Good

Description

Okta provides secure single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user access controls.

Benefits

Free for up to 50 users; unifies login credentials and protects all major platforms like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and CRMs.

Use-cases

Small teams managing multiple tools and needing centralised, secure access control.

Register

Submit an application through the Okta for Good Nonprofit Program.


3. Bitdefender (via TechSoup)

Description

Business-grade antivirus and endpoint security platform available to nonprofits via TechSoup.

Benefits

Real-time protection, anti-ransomware, firewall, web threat detection. Licences are donated or low-cost for NPOs.

Use-cases

All devices used by staff, including desktops, laptops, and shared terminals.

Register

Join TechSoup South Africa and apply for Bitdefender under the security category.


4. Bitwarden

Description

Encrypted password management tool with secure team sharing. Offers open-source transparency and affordable nonprofit plans.

Benefits

Secure password vaults, team access controls, random generator, and encrypted notes. Free and 50% discounted team plans.

Use-cases

Sharing login credentials for banking, CRM, and donor platforms securely. Encourages strong password hygiene.

Register

Sign up at bitwarden.com, then request nonprofit pricing via support.


5. Let’s Encrypt

Description

Free, automated SSL certificates that secure your site with HTTPS. Trusted globally.

Benefits

Enables secure web encryption without licensing costs. Enhances trust and SEO.

Use-cases

Any website handling donations, personal data, or membership content.

Register

Use Certbot or check if your web host offers one-click Let’s Encrypt setup.


6. ProtonMail & ProtonVPN

Description

Encrypted email service and VPN provider based in Switzerland. Built for security and privacy.

Benefits

End-to-end encrypted emails, secure data centres, strong data protection laws. Free and discounted nonprofit plans.

Use-cases

Privacy-critical communications: legal clinics, human rights NGOs, whistleblower platforms.

Register

Create an account at proton.me and request NPO pricing.


7. 2FA Apps: Authy / Google Authenticator

Description

Free apps for generating time-based one-time passcodes (TOTP) used in two-factor authentication.

Benefits

Adds a layer of login security beyond passwords. Works offline and supports most major services.

Use-cases

Protecting email, banking, document storage, CRM, and admin tools from phishing.

Register

Download from the App Store or Play Store. Add services via QR code scan.


8. Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace for Nonprofits

Description

Full productivity suites including email, cloud storage, docs, sheets, and video conferencing. Secure, cloud-based, and collaborative.

Benefits

Free to eligible nonprofits with security and compliance features built in (e.g., DLP, 2FA).

Use-cases

Running core operations: communications, reporting, donor documents, and file sharing.

Register

Apply via Phambano Technology or TechSoup ZA.


9. Cisco Umbrella / Fortinet Security Tools

Description

Cloud-delivered threat intelligence, DNS filtering, and network security tools. Fortinet offers training and device-level protection.

Benefits

Blocks malware, phishing, and botnets at DNS level; improves web filtering and network visibility.

Use-cases

Protecting office Wi-Fi, preventing malicious site access, securing network devices.

Register

Explore via Cisco's nonprofit page or local Fortinet Security Academy partners.


10. KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Awareness Kit

Description

Annual free training kit with cybersecurity videos, checklists, posters, and a phishing quiz.

Benefits

Helps small teams understand and identify common threats. Regular training improves security habits.

Use-cases

Staff induction, monthly awareness moments, internal communication boards.

Register

Download each October at KnowBe4.com.


11. Internet Safety Resources (SANS OUCH!, SAFECyber)

Description

Trusted cybersecurity newsletters and educational content for non-technical users. Updated monthly.

Benefits

Ongoing free training and reminders that reinforce cyber hygiene in teams.

Use-cases

Monthly security email tips, printable office posters, quarterly workshop content.

Register

Subscribe via SANS OUCH! or SAFECyber.

Cybersecurity & Digital Hygiene Support

Staying secure isn’t just about installing software — it’s about daily habits. Who has access? Where are passwords stored? What happens if a laptop is lost or a team member leaves?

That’s where a Digital Systems or AI Readiness Audit fits in.
I help small teams identify risks, set access controls, enforce policies, and streamline their tool usage. 👉 Book a free 20-min consult to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity maturity.

Cybersecurity & Digital Hygiene Support

Staying secure isn’t just about installing software — it’s about daily habits. Who has access? Where are passwords stored? What happens if a laptop is lost or a team member leaves?

That’s where a Digital Systems or AI Readiness Audit fits in.
I help small teams identify risks, set access controls, enforce policies, and streamline their tool usage. 👉 Book a free 20-min consult to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity maturity.

Cybersecurity & Digital Hygiene Support

Staying secure isn’t just about installing software — it’s about daily habits. Who has access? Where are passwords stored? What happens if a laptop is lost or a team member leaves?

That’s where a Digital Systems or AI Readiness Audit fits in.
I help small teams identify risks, set access controls, enforce policies, and streamline their tool usage. 👉 Book a free 20-min consult to improve your organisation’s cybersecurity maturity.

Share to your organisation!

Share to your organisation!

Share to your organisation!

FAQs: Cybersecurity for Nonprofits in South Africa

FAQs: Cybersecurity for Nonprofits in South Africa

FAQs: Cybersecurity for Nonprofits in South Africa

1. What is the best free antivirus for South African NGOs?

1. What is the best free antivirus for South African NGOs?

1. What is the best free antivirus for South African NGOs?

Bitdefender for Nonprofits is available via TechSoup South Africa. It offers enterprise-grade antivirus and anti-malware protection, centralised control, and real-time updates — all at no cost to eligible organisations.

2. How can we secure our nonprofit website from cyberattacks?

2. How can we secure our nonprofit website from cyberattacks?

2. How can we secure our nonprofit website from cyberattacks?

Apply for Cloudflare Project Galileo for DDoS protection, firewall access, and improved site performance. Combine with Let’s Encrypt for free SSL/TLS certificates to enable HTTPS and build trust with site visitors.

3. What is the most secure way to manage and share passwords in a nonprofit?

3. What is the most secure way to manage and share passwords in a nonprofit?

3. What is the most secure way to manage and share passwords in a nonprofit?

Use Bitwarden to generate, store, and securely share passwords across your team. Free personal plans are available, and nonprofits can get a 50% discount on team features for secure shared vaults.

4. How do we reduce the risk of phishing and social engineering attacks?

4. How do we reduce the risk of phishing and social engineering attacks?

4. How do we reduce the risk of phishing and social engineering attacks?

Enable 2FA on all accounts using free apps like Authy. Run team awareness sessions using the KnowBe4 Cybersecurity Awareness Kit and subscribe to SANS OUCH! for monthly training tips.

Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine

Book a Free Consultation!

Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine

Ready to Move Faster?

Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa

© Romanos Boraine 2025.

All Rights Reserved

Ready to Move Faster?

Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa

© Romanos Boraine 2025.

All Rights Reserved

Ready to Move Faster?

Let’s chat. Book a free 20-minute call with me, Romanos Boraine, to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps - and explore what we can fix fast.

Based in Cape Town, South Africa

© Romanos Boraine 2025.

All Rights Reserved