How Dona Donation Machines Keep Your Generosity Safe and Secure
April 2025
At Dona, we understand that security is at the top of the list of requirements when selecting a supplier for collecting and handling donations in the digital world we now live in. That’s why our donation machines and platform are designed with the highest standards of security and safety in mind, giving both donors and organisations complete peace of mind.
Here are some common questions and answers we are asked about security and data protection.
Q: What are Dona Donation machines, and why is security so important?
Dona Donation machines are easy-to-use, self-service terminals that allow people to make quick, cashless donations to charities and organisations. We know that the machines need to have the best security available. We want you to feel confident that donations and sensitive data are always protected.
Q: How does Dona protect donor data when I donate?
Donor privacy and security are our top priority. We adhere to stringent regulations to ensure donor personal and card data is always safe:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) Compliant: This means we handle personal data with the utmost care, ensuring it’s collected, processed, and stored legally and securely within the UK.
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) Compliant: This is a global security standard for organisations that handle branded credit cards. It ensures that card details are protected during every transaction.
In simple terms, these compliances mean we follow strict rules to prevent unauthorised access to donor data, giving you confidence that donations are secure.
Q: How does Dona ensure our charity’s data is safe?
For charities and organisations, the security of donor information and operational data is critical. Dona goes above and beyond to safeguard this:
- UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Guidelines: Our systems are built following the best practices and recommendations from the NCSC, the UK’s authority on cyber security. This means we’re constantly thinking about and implementing the most robust security measures.
- Internationally Recognised Certifications: We’re proud to have achieved two important certifications:
- ISO 9001 (Quality Management): This certification demonstrates our commitment to consistently providing products and services that meet customer and regulatory requirements. In practice, it means we have processes in place to ensure everything we do, from manufacturing to customer support, is to the highest standard.
- ISO 27001 (Information Security Management): This is the gold standard for information security. It shows we have a robust system in place to manage risks to the security of the information we hold, whether it’s donor data or our own operational information. Additionally, we’re continuously identifying and addressing potential security threats.
These certifications reinforce trust with our partners, ensure operational excellence, and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to safeguarding data and delivering high standards.
Q: How does Dona keep its machines secure and up-to-date?
Security is ongoing and we ensure our machines are always equipped with the latest protections:
- Monthly App Updates: The Dona app, which powers our donation machines, is updated every month. These updates bring the latest features and essential security patches to all deployed devices.
- Regular Security Testing: We carry out regular security testing of our donation machines to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively. This ensures our systems consistently meet high standards of security and resilience.
Automatic Software Updates: For your ease of use and peace of mind, Dona software on Dona donation machines will automatically update when connected to WiFi or 4G. This means your machine is always running the most secure and up-to-date version without you having to do a thing. If you are using your donation machine offline, the app will update the next time you connect your device to a WiFi connection.
What This Means for You:
- For Donors: They can donate with confidence, knowing their personal and financial information is handled with the highest level of security, adhering to strict UK and international standards. Their generosity is safe with Dona.
- For Charities & Organisations: You can trust Dona to be a secure, reliable, and compliant partner. Our commitment to quality and information security means you can focus on your vital work, knowing that donor data is protected and your operations are supported by robust, up-to-date technology.
At Dona, security isn’t an afterthought; it’s built into the very core of what we do. We’re dedicated to providing safe and effective solutions that help you make a difference, one secure donation at a time. We regularly review and enhance our security protocols as threats evolve – security is never ‘done’.
If you still have questions around security and data please give our friendly UK team a call and we can provide any further information you require.
