Startups must always evolve with the times. Successful startups are able to adapt amidst the ever-changing landscape of the tech industry. This agility is indeed very important to survive. However, on the other hand, it also creates opportunities for new risks.
Reasons why startups need to prioritize cybersecurity
- Startups are more likely to be targeted by cyberattacks because they have fewer security resources than larger companies
- Data breaches can cause significant financial losses, which may not be recoverable as startups are still in the development phase
- Cyberattacks can kill the reputation of startups that have not been established for a long time
- Cybersecurity can be a competitive differentiator among other startups that tend not to have strict policies on data security
- Startups that are serious about cybersecurity are more acceptable to the market for doing business
The following cybersecurity practices are essential for every new startup owner
Manage password management and multifactor authentication well
While owners of growing startups understand that all business data is secret behind passwords, few of them manage passwords properly. In fact, password management is often overlooked.
Never use the same password twice. Use a password manager to create multiple complex passwords and store them in an encrypted vault.
In addition to good password management, multifactor authentication is also a must-have. Every time you need to access using your password, multifactor authentication sends a confirmation to your phone or email. Since only you have access to your password and phone or email, unauthorized parties attempting to access will be prevented from accessing.
Consider encrypting storage
Any startups can have their reputation damaged by data leaks. Make sure that your customers’ personal information is secure because otherwise, they will turn to other companies to work with.
To keep your customers’ and company’s personal data safe, consider investing in additional encryption software. VPNs encrypt data in transit. It prevents cybercriminals from monitoring online activity. If you do a lot of business in the cloud, look for software that can encrypt files. Upload data to the cloud in encrypted form to secure it.
Install antivirus and firewall
Firewalls protect computers at the network level by examining incoming and outgoing data and filtering it. Firewalls block access to data that contains malicious elements.
However, the best firewalls cannot ensure 100% protection. Therefore, you should still install an antivirus on every device you use. Antivirus works against internal attacks such as viruses, trojan horses, and spyware. It continuously scans your system for infections and isolates them to prevent damage.
Don’t use pirated software
To save money, startups usually choose to use pirated software. However, this step will even waste money if the software becomes a source of virus attacks. So, use all software legally. Also, use only credible browsers such as Google Chrome or Firefox as they already have a defense system against malware.
Create awareness among employees
Educate employees about the importance of preventing cyber attacks. Because sometimes, systems are successfully hacked due to reckless employees:
- Sharing business emails and passwords with anyone
- Opening any spam links
- Using software other than what is authorized, and
- Ignoring antivirus warnings
Check national data regulation laws
Check and comply with your country’s data regulation laws. These regulations contain security procedures that any company must follow to ensure the safety of user data.
Hypernet helps startups manage cybersecurity. Contact CS for complete information about the cybersecurity management offering package for companies.
