Startups are always vulnerable to cyberattacks as they ignore the importance of enhancing protection. However, as per a report, small and medium industries suffer the most all over the world. Consequently, startups, in 2020, should focus on fortifying their firms against infiltrations. Failing to safeguard their organisations can lead to bankruptcy as unlike large firms, startups capability to recover is too slim. To ensure they do not bite the dust in 2020, startups should ensure they follow best practices to protect their firm, and in turn, build trust among customers.
Here are the top seven tips for startups to start their journey towards safe and secure organisations in 2020.
Move To Cloud
One of the safest bet they can make is by moving to the cloud. This will allow them to focus on their core business as all the heavy lifting of cybersecurity will be carried out by the cloud providers. Finding skilled cybersecurity in the current marketplace is nearly impossible as the landscape is witnessing a shortage of professionals. As per Cybersecurity Ventures, it is forecasted that there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021. Therefore, trying to hire cybersecurity experts in the landscape is a no brainer for startups
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Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor authentication is crucial for startups to reduce the probability of attacks or accidental misuse drastically. Startups should integrate two-factor authentication for enabling an extra layer of security while providing access to sensitive information. Often startups think that two-factor authentication is only financial services, but if you have a long memory, you can recall how Ola was hacked during its early years. Therefore, startups should safeguard access to information on networks with multi-factor authentication.
Embrace Open-Source Tools
Due to financial crunch, startups often avoid investing in cybersecurity tools. However, they can leverage open-source tools to protect their organisations. Besides, the advantage of open-source projects is that they can customise the implementation based on their needs.
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Cybersecurity leaders such as IBM, OpenTitan, and Vuls have made robust cybersecurity products, which can be utilised for automatically responding against attacks to shield the information sources. Adopting these open-source tools, along with moving to the cloud, will enhance the security tremendously.
Educate Employees
Hackers try to psychologically manipulate employees to get hold of confidential data. Such social engineering attacks are typically carried out via email or other communication. Raising awareness is essential for startups to ensure critical information are airtight from every end. It is believed that hackers mostly try these tricks with non-technical employees who fail to recognise the threat. Any small opening can negatively affect firms and decrease their brand value.
Protect Against Ransomware
Over the years, Ransomware has been the deadliest for organisations as it demands a massive sum of money. Earlier such attacks were frequent for hospitals, public schools, and more. However, it has now penetrated personal computers and startups. Even large companies find it difficult to weather such storms, let alone startups. Although these attacks can come from viruses or exploiting loopholes, and one effective way to reduce the possibility of the attack is by doing away with the unauthentic software.
Test Your Defenses To Get an In-depth Insights Of The Loopholes
Finding weaknesses in their defence is a vital step towards achieving a secure system in the long term. No matter how intelligent you are, one cannot claim complete safety. Thus, startups must occasionally get their networks and other defence systems checked through cybersecurity consultants. This will allow them to identify loopholes and encourage them to protect systems by taking necessary steps.
Create A Recovery Plan
Devising a recovery plan is the final frontier before you go out of business. Consequently, startups should always have a recovery plan in case of cyberattack such they can recover quickly and avoid bankruptcy. Preparing for the worst or unexpected attacks will empower them at difficult times and streamline the recovery efforts.
