Securing Your Startup: Simple Steps to Build Strong Cyber Foundations
- Ben de la Salle
- 13 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Cyber security is often seen as a problem for large enterprises. But for startups and scale-ups, the risks are just as real, and the impact of an attack can be devastating. Investors and customers expect robust protection, even from small teams. The good news: you don’t need a huge budget to make a real difference, there are some simple steps to build strong cyber foundations.
Why Security Matters from Day One
Cyber-attacks target businesses of all sizes. According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), almost half of UK businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the past year.
Early-stage companies are attractive targets. Attackers know resources are limited and controls are often basic.
Security lapses can lead to lost data, reputational damage, fines, and lost deals. Many investors now expect evidence of good cyber hygiene before they’ll commit.
We worked with a client who directly following a funding round was subject to a Business Email Compromise that resulted in a losses totalling over £1m. This was a combination of a lack of education, Multi-Factor Authentication, and appropriate checks within business processes.
Simple Steps to Build Strong Cyber Foundations
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Focus on a few high-impact controls:
Raise staff awareness: Human error is the biggest risk. Regular training and phishing simulations help staff spot threats. Even a short monthly session can reduce risk significantly.
Managed Identities and Access:
Follow a JML (Joiner, Mover, Leaver) Process: Ensure users are only provided access when needed, removed when that access is no longer required and disabled when they leave.
Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA can greatly reduce the success of automated attacks, over 99% according to Microsoft. Turn it on for all critical business and cloud services.
Manage privileged accounts: Limit admin rights to only those who need them. Use separate accounts for admin and day-to-day tasks. Consider the use of MFA for these accounts, even if within the comapny network.
Secure endpoints: Install, and maintain, reputable anti-malware and device management tools. Encrypt laptops and mobile devices to protect data if lost or stolen.
Apply software updates (patching): Most attacks exploit known vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates on all devices and systems. Ensure this covers firmware, operating systems, browsers and applications.
Plan for incidents: Have a simple incident response plan. Know who to call and what to do if something goes wrong. Think about regulators or authorities that you will need to notify. Who are your internal and external stakeholders? Where can you get support if needed?
Avoid These Mistakes
Complex Password Policies: Overly complicated requirements hurt productivity while offering only marginal security gains. Focus on passphrases, not passwords, use the three random words approach, do not force expiry and supplement with MFA.
Premature Certification: Expensive certifications aren't always necessary for non-regulated sectors. Target only those truly required by your market and customers, and at the right time. Align with standards early on, and target certification as an outcome, not a destination.
Security Tool Sprawl: Too many disconnected tools lead to alert fatigue and inefficiency. Consolidate for better visibility and response. Prioritise security tool consolidation where potential reduction in capability will not impact risk management.
Box-Ticking: Security should be an outcome of your activities, not a box to tick. Think about the risks you are trying to mitigate. This will ensure you focus the right resources and achieve the right outcome.
How Much Should You Spend?
There’s no fixed rule. The NCSC’s guidance for startups suggests starting with basic controls and scaling investment as your business grows.
Prioritise controls that address your biggest risks.
Consider aligning to frameworks like Cyber Essentials or ISO 27001 early on and only consider seeking certification as you mature, they can offer a clear roadmap and are recognised by investors and customers.
To understand how to size your security team and budget, have a look at our CEO's LinkedIn article, Why Security Team Size Should Be Driven by Risk, Not Headcount or IT Spend
When to Ask for Help
If you’re unsure where to start, or don’t have in-house expertise, get external support. An experienced partner can help you identify risks, set priorities, and build a practical roadmap.
Don’t wait for a breach or a customer questionnaire. Proactive action is always cheaper and less stressful than reacting to a crisis.
For ongoing support, consider services like our CISO-as-a-Service, which gives you access to seasoned security leadership without the cost of a full-time hire.
Balancing Security and Growth
Security controls should support, not slow down, your growth. Automate where possible and keep processes lightweight. Consider outsourcing both commodity and specialist skills and services.
As you add new products, markets, or customers, review your controls and update them as needed.
Investors and customers may ask for evidence of your security posture. Be ready to show how you protect data and manage risk, even if your approach is pragmatic.
Regulatory Pressures
Regulations like GDPR and sector-specific rules (such as financial services or healthcare) may apply to you, or to your customers.
Even if you’re not directly regulated, your customers may require you to meet certain standards as a supplier.
Keeping up with regulations is easier if you build good practices early.
Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them)
Limited budget: Focus on the basics first. Free and low-cost tools can go a long way.
Fast growth: Review your controls regularly. Don’t let security lag behind product or team expansion.
Changing requirements: Stay close to your customers and investors. Ask what they expect and adapt as you grow.
What Follows
Supply Chain Risk Management: As your business ecosystem grows more complex, develop risk management activities to identify your critical third-parties and the risks they present.
Response Testing: Conduct regular tabletop exercises to test your plan and your team's readiness. Cover Crisis, Continuity and Incident plans.
Risk Analysis: Begin incorporating security considerations into planning for new business initiatives. Utilise KRIs and other metrics to assess the effectiveness of your efforts
Advanced Controls: Develop your strategic roadmap for staged investments in more sophisticated controls as your business complexity increases.
In Practice: Lessons from the Field
At ICA Consultancy, we’ve helped dozens of startups and scale-ups build security from the ground up. One fintech client started with just MFA, patching, and regular awareness sessions. As they grew, we helped them layer on new controls, select and implement a SOC and respond to customer demands for evidence of security. They avoided major incidents and built trust with investors.
Useful References
Takeaway
Strong cyber security is within reach for every startup and scale-up. Start simple, focus on the basics, and scale your investment as you grow. If you need guidance or a sounding board, our team is here to help.
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