Cyber threats aren’t just a “big company” problem. Startups are prime targets because attackers know smaller companies often have fewer defenses. And the fallout? It can be brutal—broken systems, a damaged reputation, and financial losses that could knock you out of the game.
Let’s be real—security is hard. It’s confusing, constantly changing, and easy to push down the priority list when juggling a million other things (especially at a startup!).
In this post, we’ll highlight six security tips for startups, the risks you face, and how to protect yourself without overcomplicating things. Taking security seriously now isn’t just about avoiding disaster—it’s about setting your business up to thrive.
6 Tips for Security Startups
1. MFA and Single sign-on
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) and Single Sign-On (SSO) are foundational for security and access to modern environments. MFA adds an extra layer of protection by requiring users to verify their identity using multiple factors (such as a mobile app or fingerprint), reducing the risk of unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised (which happens more often than you think!).
SSO simplifies user authentication by enabling access to multiple applications with a single set of credentials, improving user experience and reducing password reuse.
When combined, MFA and SSO enhance security while improving user experience and helping to guide users toward good password habits. Startups leveraging Google or Microsoft suites have these capabilities, which are readily accessible and have detailed documentation guides.
2. Asset Management
“Knowing is half the battle,” and that is absolutely true for security at any startup. Knowing what assets you have, whether user laptops or servers in the cloud, allows protections and mitigations to be applied since you can only secure what you know exists!
An asset inventory is a detailed list of an organization's technology resources, including laptops, cloud servers, printers, phones, software, etc. Maintaining a good asset inventory that is continually updated is vital to understanding what technologies, software, and hardware are deployed so they can be protected, have fine-grained controls applied, and quickly identify potential security gaps in your infrastructure.
3. If it does not need to be public... don't make it
Today, it is trivial to scan the entire internet within a few hours and a few clicks from your favorite public cloud platform, which means not everything needs to be public-facing, and in many cases, it’s safer to keep things behind the scenes (or until they are ready for prime-time and have been properly hardened and secured!).
Exposing assets like applications or APIs to the internet makes them more vulnerable to attacks, from unauthorized access to data breaches. You can significantly reduce your risks by keeping sensitive tools, databases, and management systems hidden behind firewalls, VPNs, or zero-trust setups. It’s all about finding the right balance—making what needs to be accessible and available while keeping everything else secure.
4. Risk assessments, employee awareness, and vulnerability scanning
Keeping your organization secure starts with knowing where the risks are. Regular risk assessments help you spot weak points and determine what needs attention. But security isn’t just about tools—it’s about people, too. When employees are trained to recognize phishing, social engineering, and other tricks, they become your first line of defense.
To truly stay ahead, vulnerability scanning is essential. Scanning for vulnerabilities is a great way to ensure your organization is fixing potential issues. There are several open-source (free!) and commercial options available! These tools will tell you what software is vulnerable and how to mitigate these issues.
5. Keep software and systems up to date (patch management)
Keeping your software and systems up to date is one of the easiest ways to stay secure. This is as simple as updating the operating system on your laptop when prompted (Microsoft and Apple both do a great job of letting you know). It also involves ensuring the systems you use to serve customers remain as up-to-date as possible to mitigate potential issues or vulnerabilities. Patching, or upgrading, often fixes vulnerabilities that attackers love to exploit, so ignoring updates can leave you wide open. Outdated systems are an invitation for trouble. Staying on top of updates keeps your defenses strong and helps things run smoothly. It’s a simple habit that can save you a lot of headaches in the long run.
6. Ask for help!
Cybersecurity is challenging, and nobody has all the answers. Knowing when to ask for help is a smart move, not a sign of weakness. Whether handling an incident, dealing with a new threat, or figuring out complex compliance rules, getting expert input can save you time, money, and headaches. Leaning on a teammate, consultant, or outside pro isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about working smarter and staying ahead.
Security might not be the flashiest part of running a startup, but it’s quietly working behind the scenes to keep your business alive and kicking (and as you grow, the need for security does, too!). It keeps your systems running smoothly, your customers trusting you, and your bank account safe from unwelcome surprises.
Security is complex; there is no doubt about that, and there is no one-size-fits-all option. But let’s face it—so is running a startup. You didn’t sign up for the easy road, but you don’t have to do it all yourself. Asking for help with security is like hiring a plumber when your pipes burst. Sure, you could try to fix it on your own, but why risk a flood when an expert can get it done right?
For startups, it is never too soon to ask for assistance with security. Typically, once your application is live with customers and has data flowing, it is a good idea to ensure the data's safety, security, and privacy.
The bottom line: investing in security now saves you from many headaches down the road. It’s not just about protecting what you’ve built—it’s about giving yourself the freedom to focus on growing your business. So, lock it down, keep hustling, and return to building the future. You've got this!
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About the author: Joe D'Agostino is a startup founder, developer, advisor, and active security practitioner. Today, he manages the product and application security team at an AI startup in Boston, MA. When he is not securing products, or building them, he enjoys spending time with his wife, their newborn daughter, and their dog, Josie.
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