Cybersecurity Missteps Common in Emerging Companies
In the dynamic world of startups, ensuring cybersecurity is of paramount importance. Here are some key strategies that startups can adopt to protect their assets, build customer trust, and set a strong foundation for growth.
Promptly Addressing Security Issues
Identified issues should be fixed promptly after security assessments. Delaying actions, such as ignoring software updates and patches, can leave systems exposed, making them easy targets for hackers.
Securing Accounts
Using weak or reused passwords is a common practice among startups, making accounts easy targets for hackers. To secure accounts, it's essential to enforce strong, unique passwords for every account, use password managers, and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Compliance with Data Protection Regulations
Complying with relevant data protection regulations such as GDPR and CCPA is crucial. This includes minimizing data collection to what's strictly necessary for customer data protection and encrypting sensitive data both in transit and at rest.
Regular Updates and Testing
Prioritizing regular updates for all software, operating systems, and security tools can help ensure system security. Automating patch management where possible, and testing updates in staging environments before full deployment, is also recommended.
Cybersecurity Training
Providing regular training on phishing, social engineering, and safe online habits can help improve cybersecurity awareness within startups. Encouraging employees to report suspicious emails or activity, and making security a shared responsibility, is key.
Cybersecurity Advisory Services
Specialised cyber security advisory services, such as those offered by Bitdefender, can provide expert consulting for developing tailored cyber defense strategies. Consulting firms like EY also offer cybersecurity strategy, risk management, compliance, and resilience services. Public collaboration with authorities, such as the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), is also common.
Cybersecurity Roadmap
Developing a cybersecurity roadmap aligned with business goals, identifying critical assets and potential risks, and establishing clear policies and incident response plans can help startups protect their company and customers.
Backup and Recovery
Establishing automated backup processes with secure storage for data protection is important. Regularly testing backup restorations can ensure data recovery in case of an incident. Keeping backups isolated from main systems can also protect against ransomware attacks.
Third-Party Security Audits
As startups grow, considering third-party security audits for comprehensive security evaluation can help identify missed vulnerabilities and inconsistent security practices.
Neglecting Cybersecurity
Unfortunately, startup founders and new business teams often neglect creating a formal cybersecurity plan, leaving their companies vulnerable to threats. Employee training on cybersecurity awareness is frequently overlooked, leaving teams unprepared to defend against threats.
By implementing these strategies, startups can strengthen their cybersecurity, protect their assets, and build customer trust, setting the stage for a successful and secure future.
