In this post, we will show you nine cybersecurity tips for startups.
Cybersecurity breaches can cost a business up to $4.2 million, which is a huge amount of money for startup businesses. Also, cybersecurity breaches result in the loss of customers leading to a downward trend in revenue generation.
Setting up cybersecurity for a business startup can be quite expensive, but not as expensive as fixing a cybersecurity breach, which can repeatedly happen if the security loophole is not addressed.
For startup business owners, here are cybersecurity tips for startups against cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Tips For Startups
1. Get antivirus protection for all your devices
Getting antivirus protection is the basis of cybersecurity protection for a startup business. Antivirus programs protect devices from malware infections, which are common attack tools used by hackers. Malware can come from weblinks, portable storage facilities, etc.
Startups do not need a huge capital to enjoy antivirus protection on all of their devices. There are hundreds of robust antivirus software that offer business plans that cover multiple devices for as low as $100 per year.
READ ALSO: F-Secure Antivirus Review
2. Install SSL Certificate for your website
Installing an SSL certificate for your website ensures that customers’ data are safe on your website. This builds trust in your customers, knowing that their data is protected.
SSL certificate encrypts data shared between the customers’ devices and your web server, thus keeping data protected from data breaches.
When you install an SSL certificate on your website, you enjoy better ranking on search engines, web traffic, and better performance online.
3. Train your staff on cybersecurity attacks
Educating your staff is one of the best lines of defense against cybersecurity attacks. Teach your employees about common cybersecurity attacks used by hackers to gain access to a device or network. Your training program should include phishing techniques, DDOS attacks, malware and adware, social engineering, password protection, etc.
4. Don’t hesitate to apply updates for software and apps
Outdated software and apps are major loopholes often exploited by attackers. Hence software and app manufacturers release updates that contain security patches that address security loopholes in previous versions.
Therefore using updated software and app versions keep you protected from vulnerabilities that attackers might exploit.
READ ALSO: The Must Dos And Don’ts For Protecting Your Password And Personal Data
5. Limit administrator access to key users
About 25% of cybersecurity breaches are internal breaches committed by staff knowingly or unknowingly. It is best to limit administrator access to only a few key individuals for accountability. Also, using a strong password and a secure password manager goes a long way in protecting your data.
6. Backup your data
Backing up your data protects you from unforeseen occurrences such as natural disasters and cyber-attacks. In the case of cyberattacks, attackers can use ransomware to hold sensitive business data to ransom.
A scheduled, regular backup plan can protect your data from natural incidences and various forms of cyber attacks in the case of data compromise. Nonetheless, backup services like Acronis True Image can help you recover your data in case of ransomware attacks.
READ ALSO: Full Review of GlassWire Firewall Software – Extreme Network Monitoring
7. Test your cybersecurity defenses
Attackers operate by exploiting loopholes in your defenses. Therefore, it is good to employ a cybersecurity expert to test your defenses to find and plug loopholes that may be exploited by attackers.
8. Use firewall protection
Internal and external Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing data exchanges between your network and the web. Internal Firewalls scans your network for malware that can potentially breach your security. External Firewalls are parts of a router or server outside of your network. They screen incoming and outgoing data traffic for malicious data that can cause security compromise in systems. You can use powerful firewall software like GlassWire to protect your devices.
9. Use VPN services to encrypt and protect data traffic
VPN services provide a means of connecting securely to networks. Data channeled through VPN enjoys a robust encryption protocol that keeps out the ‘bad guys’ from snooping and stealing sensitive data sent over the internet.
There are hundreds of inexpensive VPN services you can subscribe to as a startup. Some antivirus subscriptions also include VPN protection in their plans.
READ ALSO: Full PureVPN Review
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these cybersecurity tips for startups should help you protect your business against the debilitating effects of data breaches.
To stay ahead of the game, you have to ensure that you explore all likely avenues of ensuring that your business stays protected from cybersecurity threats. This involves putting all of the above-listed suggestions and staying updated about happenings in the cybersecurity field.
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Hi Abraham, The article was amazing and really helpful. The information provided can be very handy for any new business as it shares several key facts to keep the data safe.
However, here is something to add to what you have mentioned, the companies should also beware of email phishing campaigns. Moreover, some people have a habit of clicking on ads and links on webpages, which they should absolutely avoid. While the ads and links might initially not look like a threat, sometimes these websites tend to store the user data and use them unethically.