Exploding Topics reports that in 2024, there were 600 million cybersecurity attacks each day. This makes online safety of the utmost importance; if a fraudster is successful with their attacks, then they can gain access to sensitive information.
Startups are especially vulnerable since they usually lack adequate budgeting and knowledge for cybersecurity. Here are five moves they can use immediately to step up their security.
1. Test Backups Before You Need Them
Backups only matter if they actually work in real-life scenarios, so you need to make sure yours works before you need it. You can run a full backup recovery test for your most critical systems, such as:
- Customer data
- Code repositories
- Financial records
Don’t just confirm that backups exist, either; you should also verify if you can restore them within a realistic timeframe.
Storing at least one backup offline or in a separate cloud account with restricted access doesn’t cost much, but this Corsica cybersecurity calculator can help you determine if this (and other moves) are worth it.
2. Enforce MFA Everywhere
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is the fastest, highest-impact security control you can implement. It should be required across all critical systems, such as:
- Cloud providers
- Code repositories
- Payroll tools
- Customer databases
This will dramatically lower the chance of account takeover from phishing, which is the most common entry point for data breaches.
3. Rapid Vendor Vetting for Security Weak Points
Third-party tools can add potential exposure with each vendor. This is why it’s important to audit your critical vendors and confirm their security basics, such as:
- MFA availability
- SOC 2 or ISO 27001 status
- Data encryption practices
- Breach notification policies
Remove or replace tools that lack basic safeguards or have unnecessary data access. This can reduce hidden systemic risk and help prevent cascading failures caused by insecure integrations or compromised suppliers.
4. Run a Lightweight Tabletop Cyber Incident Drill
A tabletop exercise is one of the fastest ways to improve incident readiness, and you don’t need technical buildout, either.
Have a 60-90 minute scenario discussion with founders and key team members about what could potentially happen if your customer database were leaked tomorrow. Walk through:
- Detection
- Communication
- Containment
- Recovery steps
Also, identify who does the following:
- Makes decisions
- Communicates with users
- Contacts vendors or authorities
The goal is to expose confusion, gaps, and assumptions in your response plan.
5. Prepare Cyber Insurance Readiness Before You Apply
It can be difficult to get cyber insurance if your startup lacks basic controls. To qualify for better coverage and pricing, prepare your readiness baseline.
Insurers often expect:
- MFA enforcement
- Documented backup processes
- Endpoint protection
- Basic security policies
Not only can this preparation improve insurance eligibility, but it can also force clarity on operational risk.
Make Sure Your Startup Is Digitally Protected
A data breach can have catastrophic consequences for your startup, so make sure your information is secured by taking a few effective steps. Also, stay vigilant, as fraudster tactics are constantly changing.
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