People believe small businesses don’t have to worry about cybersecurity as much as big corporations. But the reality is the total opposite of what we believe. Contrary to the fact, small businesses are easier to hack into and, thus, more vulnerable targets. Sure, a cyber attack can cause huge losses to a big company, but it can push a small business entirely out of business. Hence, small businesses and startups need to invest and learn about cybersecurity.
How do you do so? Through cybersecurity risk assessment. And how to keep a startup secure with cybersecurity risk assessment?
Here is a step-wise guide on securing a startup with cybersecurity risk assessment.
Step 1: Conducting a business risk analysis
When a startup starts, all its resources are limited and crucial. So, keeping the business protected from all sides is challenging. But you can start with research to recognize threats relevant to your industry. Once you identify these threats, the startup can allot crucial time and resources.
Some common threats that startups across all industries face are:
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- Data breaches
- Business information theft
- DDoS Attacks
- Insider threat
- Malware and ransomware
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Step 2: Buy the proper security software.
Getting the right security software for the startup is among the most crucial steps you will take. You can check out services and facilities depending upon your current capacity and business status.
Step 3: establishing a security-centric environment
Establishing a security-centric environment right from the start will shape your business for the future. For this to happen, every employee in the company must comply with security policies and stay alert for any dubious activity.
Step 4: Adding security to your website
Startups and small businesses that depend on a website like eCommerce or SaaS business must secure that website. Installing SSL certificates is one place step, to begin with. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) is a global standard security tech that encourages encrypted communication between browsers and web servers. It helps decrease the risk of data leakages like credit card information or passwords. On top of it, regularly scanning your website through a website vulnerability scanner will help as well.
Step 5: Network Security
As a startup, the company’s server networks and clients form the perfect target for cyberattacks. At this point, a network oversight will help you maintain visibility and control right from the start. A security engineer will ensure the prevention, detection, and correction of all the network devices. You can schedule a weekly vulnerability test through dependable services.
Step 6: Physical security
Establishing physical security of the work environment is as critical as network security. While hackers can access your servers and network remotely, a physical break-in at your office can also jeopardize your company data. Keeping all the entry and exit points locked all the time will help while adding surveillance cameras at vantage points will increase your security level.
Step 7: Failure is inevitable
While many businesses create plans for cyber threat detection and prevention, few devise risk mitigation and remediation plans. Like any other part of the company, cybersecurity can fail as well. That’s why experts advise to anticipate failure and prepare for risk mitigation.
Concluding note
Even when you put all the proper steps and strategies in place, there is still a chance for a cyber attack. You can stay alert and keep updating your security and follow the basic cybersecurity measures. Other measures like identity verification are also helpful and can curb several cyber threats. You can learn more here.