6 Essential Cybersecurity Tips for Startups

You might be the best at developing your product, serving the services to your clients, or even being their go-to offering for your particular niche. One cybersecurity breach is all it takes to derail your entire business. And as a startup, you may not have the resources to bounce back from such an attack. 

So take my word; you need to focus on cybersecurity for your startup right from the beginning. To help you get started, here are six essential cybersecurity tips for startups: 

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

Multi-factor authentication refers to using multiple methods to verify a user’s identity before granting access to your systems or data. This includes using passwords, security questions, biometric scans, and more. 

If you’re a SAAS startup or any startup that requires your customers to create accounts on your platform, make sure to enable MFA for their accounts as well.  

Because you never know, they might reuse the same password for your platform as they do for their bank account. And if a hacker gets access to their password, it could potentially lead to a data breach on your end. 

Here’s a real-life example of a startup that learned this lesson the hard way:  

In 2012, Dropbox suffered a data breach that exposed over 68 million user accounts. This happened because hackers were able to access an employee’s account using reused credentials from another website. 

But Dropbox quickly learned from their mistake and have since implemented MFA for all user accounts. 

How To Implement MFA?

Implementing a multi-factor authentication system isn’t rocket science, but you will require a bit of technical knowledge (or a developer) to do so. 

One popular option for implementing MFA is using third-party authentication solutions like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. 

These apps generate one-time codes that users can use in addition to their passwords when logging into your platform. 

Another alternative is SMS-based authentication, where users receive a code via text message, which they enter on your platform. However, this method isn’t as secure since hackers have found ways to intercept these messages. 

Conduct Regular Security Awareness Training 

Security awareness training includes educating your employees about potential cyber threats, how to identify them, and what to do if they encounter one. 

Your employees are your first line of defence against cyber attacks. Even the strongest security systems can be compromised if an employee falls for a phishing email or clicks on a malicious link. If you remember the ransomware attack on the UK’s National Health Service in 2017, it was caused by an employee clicking on a malicious link. 

Security awareness training includes –  

1. Educational content relating to cybersecurity, including best practices for password management and safe browsing habits. 
2. Ongoing messaging and reinforcement of these practices to keep them top of mind. 
3. Simulated phishing attacks to test your employees’ ability to identify and handle a potential threat. 
4. Regular updates and training sessions as new threats emerge. 

A real-life example of a startup that got attacked due to a phishing attack in 2016 is Snapchat. But, the company learned from this attack and implemented comprehensive security training, reducing successful phishing attempts by 64%. 

Fun fact: prior to the attack, Snapchat only resorted to email warnings about phishing, which proved ineffective. You need to take note that your employees are not as tech-savvy as you, and they may fall for these tricks if they are not properly trained. 

Implement a Zero Trust Security Model 

A zero-trust security model means exactly what it sounds like—you trust no one by default. Not your employees. Not your vendors. Not even your customers. 

Traditional security models assume everyone inside the company network is trustworthy. Zero Trust flips this on its head with one guiding principle: “Never trust, always verify.” 

Here’s how it works: 

• Continuous Verification: Every access request is treated as suspicious. Whether it’s an employee logging in or a system making a request, the system continuously checks and rechecks identities. 
• Least Privilege Access: Employees only get access to what they need. Nothing more. This limits the damage if someone’s account is hacked. 
• Assume Breach: It’s safer to act like a breach has already happened. This way, the impact of any attack is minimised by isolating resources. 
• Clear Resource Protection: All company assets—data, tools, and systems—are treated as sensitive and need protection. 
• Secure Communication: Data is always encrypted, no matter where it’s being accessed or sent. 
• Device Checks: Access is granted based on device health and identity, preventing compromised devices from gaining access. 
• Dynamic Policies: Access decisions are flexible. They adapt based on who’s asking, what they’re using, and where they are. 

This model isn’t about paranoia—it’s about staying realistic. It assumes threats can come from anywhere and builds protections to match. 

How to Implement a Zero-Trust Security Model 

Transitioning to Zero Trust requires focusing on a few key areas. Here’s what it involves: 

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM): Start with strong user authentication, like multi-factor authentication (MFA). This ensures that access is only granted when user identity, device health, and other conditions are verified. 
2. Network Segmentation: Think of your network as a house with many locked rooms. Dividing the network into smaller segments means that they can’t move freely even if someone gets in. 
3. Continuous Monitoring and Analytics: Monitor what’s happening in real time. Analysing network traffic and user behaviour can spot unusual activity before it becomes a big problem. 
4. Device Health Checks: Not all devices are trustworthy. Zero Trust ensures that devices meet security standards before accessing sensitive resources. 
5. Data Protection: Protect your data wherever it is—whether it’s being stored or shared. This means encrypting it and controlling who can access it. 

Conduct Regular ISO 27001 Internal Audits 

An ISO 27001 internal audit thoroughly assesses your company’s information security management system (ISMS). It helps identify potential risks and weaknesses in your security processes so you can take corrective measures before they become bigger issues. 

In simple terms, an ISO 27001 internal audit is a self-examination process that you conduct to ensure your startup’s information security practices are working effectively and meeting international standards. It’s like you looking in the mirror to check if everything is in order before presenting your startup to the world. 

Honestly, if you’re working on a startup targeting a global audience, ISO 27001 Audit becomes a necessity to – 

• Catch problems early – When you have an SOP set at the beginning, you save yourself time and money in the long term. An ISO 27001 internal audit helps identify potential risks early so that you can address them before they become a costly data breach. 
• Boost customer confidence – Having an ISO 27001 certification shows your customers that you take information security seriously. They can trust your startup with their sensitive data without having to worry about any cyber attacks. 
• Continuous improvement – Regular ISO 27001 internal audits allow you to reassess and improve your security processes. This ensures that your startup stays on top of emerging threats and constantly updates its security measures. 

Implement Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) 

EDR refers to a set of tools and technologies that allow you to detect, investigate, and respond to potential cyber threats on individual devices or endpoints. It is a security system that watches over all the computers and devices (called “endpoints”) in an organisation. 

Endpoints are the most vulnerable points in a network and are often targeted by cybercriminals. For example, if a hacker gains access to just one employee’s laptop, they can potentially access the entire network.  

Endpoint Detection and Response provides an additional layer of protection by continuously monitoring and responding to suspicious activity on endpoints. 

Some features of EDR include: 

• Real-time Monitoring: EDR tools constantly monitor and analyse endpoint activity for any signs of malicious behaviour or intrusion. 
• Threat Hunting: If a threat is detected, EDR tools allow you to search for indicators of compromise (IOCs) across all endpoints in your network. 
• Automated Response: In case of a confirmed threat, EDR tools can automatically quarantine the affected device to prevent further damage. 
• Forensic Analysis: After an incident, EDR tools can provide detailed logs and data for forensic analysis to determine the root cause of the attack. 

An example of a famous startup that was a target of a data breach due to endpoint vulnerability is Uber. In 2016, hackers gained access to the personal information of 57 million Uber users and drivers by exploiting a vulnerability in an endpoint database. 

After this 2016 data breach, Uber implemented EDR, which helped detect and respond much more quickly to a 2022 breach attempt. 

Regularly Update and Patch Systems 

Software, applications, and operating systems are never 100% secure. Hackers constantly find new vulnerabilities to exploit and gain access to systems. Because of this, these systems release updates and patches regularly to fix any security flaws. 

If you or your company don’t keep up with these updates, your systems become vulnerable to known exploits. It’s like leaving your house’s doors and windows open for burglars. 

Equifax is one of the biggest examples of a company suffering a data breach due to not updating and patching systems. In 2017, he company suffered a major data breach due to an unpatched vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework. The result? Over 147 million customers had their personal information compromised. 

To ensure your startup’s systems are secure, make sure to: 

• Establish a Comprehensive Patch Management Policy: Have a clear procedure in place for identifying, testing, and deploying patches. 
• Prioritise Critical Systems: Make sure to patch critical systems first as they are often the most targeted by hackers. 
• Create and maintain an up-to-date inventory of all assets and systems: This will help you stay organised and ensure that no system is left unpatched. 
• Test patches before deployment: Before deploying a patch to all systems, make sure to test it on a smaller scale to avoid any potential issues or disruptions. 
• Regularly review your patch management process: Continuously assess the effectiveness of your patch management process and make necessary improvements.