Cybersecurity is a risk for startups because they often have limited resources and may not have the same level of security measures in place as larger, more established companies. Startups may also be targeted by cybercriminals because they may be perceived as easier targets or may have valuable intellectual property or customer data that can be stolen.
Additionally, startups often rely heavily on technology and the internet to conduct business, which means they are vulnerable to cyber attacks that can disrupt their operations or compromise sensitive information. This can lead to financial losses, damage to the company’s reputation, and legal issues. It is important for startups to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect their assets and data from potential threats.
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Here are some steps you can take to secure your startup in 2024:
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring a second form of authentication in addition to your password. This can be a code sent to your phone, a fingerprint scan, or something similar.
- Keep your software and devices up to date: Make sure to keep all of your software and devices up to date with the latest patches and updates. These updates often include security fixes, so it’s important to stay current.
- Microsegment your access: Microsegmentation is a step toward zero-trust. Consider shrinking the attack surface; which means there’s less surface area to search. Reduce the time to containment by reducing the surface area visible to an intruder. This also limits the scope of a post-event search to uncover situational facts.
- Back up your data: Make sure to regularly back up your data in case of a cyber attack or other data loss event. This will help ensure that you don’t lose important information and can quickly recover from a security breach.
- Educate your employees: Make sure that your employees are aware of the importance of cybersecurity and know how to identify and report potential threats. Consider providing training or resources to help them stay safe online.
Bonus recommendation: Build a cybersecurity governance program to oversee and keep current on the above 5 tips. This will help in the future as you grow to be a more mature organization. Consider an affordable virtual CISO to build and lead that program for you.
Startups are in a prime position to build a cybersecurity program from the ground up. Most, though, don’t know where to start and how to spend appropriately. These top 5 steps can go a long way in building a startup’s cybersecurity program in 2024.
Brian Haugli
CEO
