9 Important Cybersecurity Steps for Startups

Don't wait until your company grows to get serious about security. Here's a step-by-step roadmap designed to help startups build a strong cybersecurity foundation:

Step 1: Run a lightweight risk assessment 

Start simple. List your critical assets and flows. For example:

Devices: laptops, phones, any servers
Cloud and apps: email, storage, code hosting, CI/CD, finance
Data: customer information, payment data, proprietary code, contracts
Network edges: office routers, VPNs, remote access

Now pressure-test a few questions:

Which systems would shut down your business if compromised?
What data would be most valuable to criminals or competitors?
Where are your team members most likely to make security mistakes?

Use simple frameworks, like CIS Controls or the NIST CSF, to help structure priorities and ensure coverage across identity, devices, data, applications, and response. *These links direct to third party websites; we do not control the content and are not responsible for its accuracy or completeness.

Step 2: Lock down identity (MFA + passwords + access)

Turn on MFA everywhere that matters: email, cloud admin, code repos, billing, finance, and any dashboard with customer data.
Standardize a password manager: Unique, long credentials (passphrases) by default and utilize cloud-based tools for password management ; do not share via chat or email.
Apply least privilege: Access should match the job, nothing more. Review permissions regularly and quickly revoke during offboarding.

Step 3: Harden devices and patching

Auto-update operating systems, browsers, and apps.
Use reputable Anti-virus or Endpoint Detection & Response tools on every laptop and server. It can catch malware precursors and suspicious behavior.
Encrypt drives and enable remote wipe on all company devices, including founder and contractor laptops.

Step 4: Create backups that you can restore

Implement the 3-2-1 backup rule: Keep 3 copies of important data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy stored offsite or in the cloud.
Test restores on a schedule. If you never test your backup you are just hoping for the best.
Protect backups from tampering. Limit who can delete or reconfigure them.

Step 5: Secure cloud and data from the start

Configure cloud security properly:

Enable logging and monitoring for all cloud services
Implement strong identity and access management
Encrypt data both in transit and at rest
Regularly review and remove unnecessary access permissions

Step 6: Train people (brief, practical, recurring)

Remember, Human error has contributed to 95% of security incidents.

Use phishing email simulations on your team, then provide immediate training when someone clicks.

Establish clear security policies, including:

Guidelines for creating and managing passphrases
Rules for using personal devices for work
Procedures for reporting suspicious emails or activities
Protocols for secure data handling and storage

Create a security-conscious culture. Make cybersecurity everyone's responsibility, not just the IT person's job. Encourage reporting of potential threats without fear of punishment.

Step 7: Manage vendor risk

Inventory key vendors and what they can access. Confirm they use MFA, patch quickly, and have an incident response plan in place.
Limit access by role and revoke tokens when a project ends or employees leave.
Put expectations, defined responsibilities and performance standards in contracts. It can clarify responsibilities and accountability when speed matters.

Step 8: Prepare to respond

Create an incident response plan that includes:

Clear responsibilities: Who leads, who approves, and who communicates internally and externally.
How to contain (isolate devices, suspend accounts), how to preserve evidence, how to escalate.
Pre-stage contacts: legal, insurance, forensics, cloud support, PR. Run a tabletop so the first test isn’t the real thing.

Step 9: Consider Cyber Insurance

Cyber insurance can help provide crucial financial protection in the event of a cybersecurity claim, but it should not be viewed as a substitute for good security practices. Many insurance policies require certain security measures to be in place before covering a claim.

When considering cyber insurance options:

Understand the terms and conditions of each policy: what's covered (and what's not)
Know the requirements for maintaining coverage
Work with agents who understand startup needs and budgets to help you find the right policy

Note: This roadmap is provided for general informational purposes only. Specific cybersecurity needs may vary depending on your business and you should always consult a qualified cybersecurity professional before making decisions or implementing controls.