Whether it's a startup taking its first steps, an SMB scaling new heights, or even an enterprise navigating the rugged peaks of sustainable growth, the journey of building a business it's an exciting one.

But regardless of the size or stage of a business, one challenge always looms large: cyber security.

Every click, transaction and piece of data introduces potential vulnerabilities and the rise of cybercrime – to a surprising extent 600% since 2020 — has boosted the stock. To make matters worse, modern attackers are not picky; they are opportunists. Their motivation is straightforward: maximum profit is achieved with minimum effort. What was once considered an IT concern has truly become a matter of business survival. Consequently, cyber security is no longer a matter of if a business will face a threat, but when.

Related: Cyber ​​attacks are inevitable – Stop preparing if it happens and start preparing when it will

Laying the right foundations for a startup

Starting a startup is definitely an exciting journey. Entrepreneurs often find themselves juggling a number of tasks, including securing funding, attracting customers, and building a talented team. Amidst all this, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: security.

Cybercriminals often see startups as easy targets. With smaller teams and limited resources, they often lack the robust security protocols that larger enterprises typically have. approximately 43% cyber attacks target small businesses, yet only 14% are adequately prepared to protect themselves. Interestingly, the size of the startup can work to their advantage. With a smaller team, it's much easier to cultivate a safety culture from the ground up.

So how can startups build strong cybersecurity foundations without breaking the bank? First and foremost, employees serve as the first line of defense. Therefore, it is essential for every startup to train every employee in security best practices from the start. This approach fosters an environment where everyone is aware, alert and responsive to potential threats.

While passwords remain a basic security measure, relying on them alone can be dangerous. In such cases, implementing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), using multiple keys, or even integrating biometric options can significantly strengthen password security. Additionally, regular offline data backups, encryption of sensitive information, and updating software with regular patches are equally essential.

Finally, many startups often do not have the luxury of dedicated security personnel such as CISOs. So having a basic incident response plan that covers the basics becomes invaluable. Such a plan ensures that they are prepared to respond effectively in the event of an attack, providing a safety net during challenging situations.

Related: Why verifying user identities is good for your customers and your business

Securely expands for scaling startups

When scaling a startupone of the key questions leaders often face is, “When is the right time to bring a CISO on board?” For many organizations, the need for a CISO becomes particularly acute during the expansion phase. As they diversify their customer base or prepare for significant transitions, having someone dedicated to overseeing cyber security can be crucial in building trust across customers, ensuring the product is seen as safe and reliable. . With the expertise of a CISO, navigating essential regulatory compliance and certifications can be much easier.

This expansion also introduces more users, employees, and devices that require careful management. Endpoints in particular present a troubling dilemma. As startups scale and the number and diversity of endpoints increase, managing them becomes cumbersome. A Unified Endpoint Management (UEM) solution simplifies the management and security of all these devices from a centralized console. This unified approach simplifies IT administration, significantly increases security and ensures seamless access to applications and data.

However, securing endpoints is only one part of the puzzle. As more businesses move their assets to the cloud and hybrid work is likely to continue forever, attackers are constantly on the lookout for insecure identities. In fact, 93% of organizations have experienced two or more identity-related breaches in the past year. This highlights the urgent need for robust identity solutions such as Identity and access management (IAM). IAM plays a critical role in ensuring that anyone seeking access is granted the right level of access — at the right time and from the right devices.

With the right team and tools in place, this is also an ideal time for organizations to start adopting a zero-trust architecture (ZTA). With more employees working in a hybrid model, it's clear that simply securing the network perimeter is no longer enough. The ZTA highlights a fundamental shift in the way security is perceived and emphasizes the importance of trust in every interaction. ZTA approval not only increases safety, but also complies with modern workplace requirements.

Related: How AI can improve cybersecurity for businesses of all sizes

Enterprise security for future debugging

Most established businesses are not just passive targets, but part of an ongoing battle against various attacks. Ransomware and data breaches have emerged as the most prevalent threats, and their consequences can be devastating. Over the last decade or so 27% of Fortune 500 companies have experienced data breaches.

While most established enterprises have in-house cybersecurity teams, the sheer volume of information they manage can lead to critical alerts being overlooked. With so much at stake, investing in a proactive security architecture that includes automation is no longer optional—it's critical. Tools like Extended Detection and Response (XDR) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) have become essential in this effort. When combined effectively, XDR can quickly identify suspicious behavior occurring at endpoints, while SIEM complements this by associating that information with network anomalies and security alerts. Additionally, having a Security Operations Center can help businesses gain a complete overview of the threat landscape, including the different types of endpoints, software and third-party services.

After all, the security conversation isn't just about preventing attacks—it's about building resilience. Companies must shift their mindset from a reactive approach to a proactive and strategic security posture to deal with and recover quickly from the inevitable incidents that may arise. By doing so, they will protect their assets and protect their future.