Your security is our priority. This guide explains Give Protocol’s security features and provides best practices for protecting your account, data, and transactions on our platform.

Security Overview

Give Protocol implements multiple layers of security to protect our users:

• Encryption: All data transmitted using industry-standard SSL/TLS
• Authentication: Multi-factor authentication options
• Authorization: Role-based access controls
• Monitoring: 24/7 security monitoring and threat detection
• Compliance: GDPR, PCI-DSS, and SOC 2 compliant

Account Security

Creating a Secure Account

Strong Password Requirements

Your password must include:

• Minimum 12 characters
• Uppercase and lowercase letters
• Numbers and special characters
• No common dictionary words
• Not used on other sites

Password Best Practices

• Use a unique password for Give Protocol
• Consider using a password manager
• Never share your password
• Change passwords regularly
• Avoid predictable patterns

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Why Enable MFA?

MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring:

1. Something you know (password)
2. Something you have (phone/device)
3. Optional: Something you are (biometrics)

Setting Up MFA

1. Navigate to Security Settings

   • Go to Account Settings
   • Select Security tab
   • Click “Enable Two-Factor Authentication”

2. Choose Your Method

   • SMS Text: Receive codes via text
   • Authenticator App: Use Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.
   • Security Key: Physical USB device
   • Biometric: Fingerprint or face recognition

3. Backup Methods

   • Save backup codes securely
   • Add alternate phone number
   • Set up multiple authentication methods

Account Recovery

Recovery Options

• Email verification
• SMS verification
• Security questions
• Backup codes
• Identity verification

If You Lose Access

1. Click “Can’t access account?”
2. Choose recovery method
3. Follow verification steps
4. Reset credentials
5. Update security settings

Data Protection

Personal Information Security

What We Protect

• Personal identification information
• Financial data and transaction history
• Communication records
• Location data (when permitted)
• Volunteer activity history

How We Protect It

• Encryption at rest: All stored data encrypted
• Encryption in transit: Secure connections only
• Access controls: Limited to necessary personnel
• Regular audits: Security assessments
• Data minimization: Only collect what’s needed

Privacy Controls

Managing Your Privacy

1. Profile Visibility

   • Public: Name and general location
   • Private: All personal details
   • Custom: Choose what to share

2. Communication Preferences

   • Platform notifications
   • Email communications
   • SMS alerts
   • Marketing messages

3. Data Sharing

   • Control what organizations see
   • Manage volunteer history visibility
   • Set donation privacy preferences
   • Configure social sharing

Transaction Security

Secure Donations

Payment Protection

• PCI-DSS compliant processing
• Tokenized payment information
• Fraud detection systems
• Secure payment gateways
• Transaction monitoring

Safe Payment Methods

✅ Accepted:

• Credit/debit cards
• Bank transfers (ACH)
• Digital wallets (PayPal, Apple Pay)
• Donor-advised funds

❌ Never Required:

• Wire transfers to individuals
• Gift cards
• Cryptocurrency (unless verified)
• Cash payments

Transaction Verification

Before Donating

• Verify organization badge ✓
• Check SSL certificate 🔒
• Review transaction details
• Confirm amounts
• Save confirmations

After Donating

• Receive instant confirmation
• Get email receipt
• Download tax documentation
• Track in transaction history
• Report any issues immediately

Communication Security

Secure Messaging

Platform Messaging Features

• End-to-end encryption available
• No external email exposure
• Message history retention
• Spam and abuse filtering
• Block and report functions

Safe Communication Practices

• Keep conversations on platform
• Never share passwords
• Avoid sharing personal contact info
• Report suspicious messages
• Use official channels only

Phishing Protection

Recognizing Phishing Attempts

🚩 Warning Signs:

• Urgent action required
• Requests for passwords
• Suspicious links
• Grammar/spelling errors
• Unofficial sender addresses

Official Communications

✅ Give Protocol will:

• Send from @giveprotocol.org
• Include your name
• Provide clear context
• Never ask for passwords
• Include security footer

❌ Give Protocol won’t:

• Request passwords via email
• Send suspicious attachments
• Use threatening language
• Ask for payment information via email
• Redirect to non-secure sites

Platform Features

Security Dashboard

Access your security dashboard to:

• View recent account activity
• Check active sessions
• Review security settings
• See login history
• Manage connected devices

Activity Monitoring

What We Track

• Login attempts and locations
• Password changes
• Transaction activity
• Profile modifications
• Security setting updates

Alerts You’ll Receive

• New device login
• Password reset requests
• Large transactions
• Unusual activity patterns
• Security setting changes

Session Management

Active Session Controls

• View all active sessions
• See device and location info
• Terminate suspicious sessions
• Set automatic timeouts
• Enable “Remember Me” selectively

Mobile Security

App Security Features

Built-in Protections

• Biometric authentication
• Secure data storage
• Automatic logouts
• Screenshot protection
• Jailbreak/root detection

Mobile Best Practices

1. Keep App Updated

   • Enable automatic updates
   • Check for updates regularly
   • Read update notes

2. Device Security

   • Use device lock screen
   • Enable remote wipe
   • Avoid public WiFi
   • Use VPN when needed

Reporting Security Issues

How to Report

Security Vulnerabilities

Email: security@giveprotocol.org

• Describe the issue clearly
• Include steps to reproduce
• Attach relevant screenshots
• Avoid public disclosure

Account Compromises

1. Change password immediately
2. Review recent activity
3. Terminate all sessions
4. Contact support
5. Enable MFA

Bug Bounty Program

We reward responsible disclosure:

• Scope: Platform vulnerabilities
• Rewards: $100-$10,000
• Process: Coordinated disclosure
• Recognition: Security hall of fame

Best Practices Checklist

Daily Security Habits

• Check for suspicious emails
• Verify before clicking links
• Log out when finished
• Use secure networks
• Keep software updated

Weekly Security Review

• Review account activity
• Check active sessions
• Update passwords if needed
• Clear browser cache
• Review privacy settings

Monthly Security Audit

• Update recovery information
• Review connected accounts
• Check transaction history
• Update security questions
• Test backup methods

Security Tools

Recommended Tools

Password Managers

• 1Password
• Bitwarden
• LastPass
• Dashlane

Authenticator Apps

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator
• Authy
• Duo Mobile

Security Keys

• YubiKey
• Google Titan
• Thetis
• Feitian

Compliance and Certifications

Our Security Standards

Industry Compliance

• PCI-DSS Level 1: Payment security
• SOC 2 Type II: Security controls
• GDPR: Data protection
• CCPA: Privacy rights
• ISO 27001: Information security

Regular Audits

• Annual security assessments
• Quarterly penetration testing
• Monthly vulnerability scans
• Continuous monitoring
• Third-party audits

Data Rights

Your Rights Include

• Access: Request your data
• Correction: Fix inaccuracies
• Deletion: Remove your data
• Portability: Export your data
• Objection: Opt-out of processing

Exercising Your Rights

1. Go to Privacy Settings
2. Select “Data Rights”
3. Choose your request type
4. Verify identity
5. Receive confirmation

Emergency Procedures

If Your Account Is Compromised

Immediate Actions

1. Change Password - Use a strong, unique password
2. Enable MFA - Add extra security layer
3. Review Activity - Check for unauthorized actions
4. Revoke Access - Terminate all sessions
5. Contact Support - Report the incident

Follow-up Steps

• Update other accounts if password was reused
• Scan devices for malware
• Review financial statements
• Monitor credit reports
• Document everything

Support Resources

Getting Help

Security Support

• Email: security@giveprotocol.org
• Chat: Available 24/7
• Phone: 1-800-GIVE-SAFE
• Help Center: Security section

Educational Resources

• Security webinars
• Best practices guides
• Video tutorials
• FAQ section
• Community forums

Stay Informed

Security Updates

• Platform announcements
• Email notifications
• Mobile push alerts
• Blog posts
• Social media updates

Subscribe to Alerts

Get notified about:

• Security patches
• New features
• Threat warnings
• Best practice updates
• Policy changes

Remember

Security is a shared responsibility. While we implement robust security measures, your actions play a crucial role in keeping your account safe. Stay vigilant, follow best practices, and don’t hesitate to contact us with any security concerns.

Together, we can ensure Give Protocol remains a safe, secure platform for making a positive impact in the world.

Security Contact: security@giveprotocol.org
Emergency Hotline: 1-800-GIVE-SAFE
Last Updated: December 2024