A startup entrepreneur has a lot to manage, from building a team to streamlining operations, finding clients, and promoting the business. Cash constraints keep them on their toes. It is easy to overlook some aspects of running a startup, and cybersecurity is one of them. You will probably not consider it a major concern at such an early stage as you do not have much data in your systems. 

After all, hackers are after data, so you seem to be out of their radar. But you should not be complacent about security because a single incident can topple your business and hurt your reputation. The good thing is that you can go the extra mile with startup cybersecurity without breaking the bank. Here are some effective cyber defense measures you can rely on. 

Secure devices from the outset

Startups often take the BYOD approach and let employees use personal devices for work to save money and resources. But it can be risky even if you trust your team enough to let them access company data through personal devices. The best way to overcome cyber risks is by securing all devices on your network from the outset. Installing quality anti-virus is a good start. Also, implement stringent control measures over data access for employees. 

Train your team

Statistics show that an alarming number of security breaches happen due to human error. Training employees is an ideal defense strategy for startups as it costs a fraction of resolving the consequences of incidents. Education and awareness keep people one step ahead of malicious attackers and creates a security-focused culture for your new business. Both protect your business from attacks for the long haul. 

Hire a hacking expert

Thinking like hackers is perhaps the best way to beat them and an ethical professional can help you do it. Early-stage startups can hire a hacker without worrying about the expense because these professionals cover several fronts. You can rely on them for penetration testing and follow their advice to seal the potential vulnerabilities in your system. Since these experts are as smart as real hackers, they miss out on nothing.

Encrypt all data

Data is perhaps the most valuable asset for businesses these days, as a loss or breach can do more than harm their reputation and customer trust. It also poses the risk of penalties for non-compliance with data protection regulations. Startups must prioritize data safety, regardless of the volume and value of the information they hold. Encrypting all files is a cost-effective measure to protect them during storage and transmission.

Update regularly

Another simple step that takes your startup the extra mile with cybersecurity is to run the updated versions of applications, operating systems, and other programs.  Developers recommend updating because the latest versions have patches and security protections to address the vulnerabilities and flaws in the previous ones.  Make updates necessary for employees or automate them to ensure timely moves. 

The best piece of advice for startup entrepreneurs is to make cybersecurity a part of the growth imitative. Challenges abound along the way, but the relevant measures keep you a step ahead.

Olivia James is a senior content writer at Submit Core. James has been working with the company for the past three years and holds an expertise in tech and business writing. She likes to educate her audience on the business benefits.