"There are only two types of companies: those that have been hacked and those that will be." - Robert Mueller, former FBI Director.
While this quote might sound alarming, it doesn't have to be. Just as locking your door makes it harder for someone to enter, implementing proactive security measures can significantly reduce your risk of a cyberattack.
At Spurt!, we believe in proactive security. Forrester projects that cybercrime will cost businesses $12 trillion in 2025, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Protecting the data entrusted to us is not just good practice; it's a business imperative. That's why we're committed to building a security-first culture.
As Bruce Schneier aptly puts it, "Amateurs hack systems, while professionals hack people," highlighting the importance of the human element in security. In fact, a Stanford University study found that employee mistakes cause 88% of data breaches.
That's why we prioritise information security awareness across our team. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we asked our employees for their top security tips, and we're excited to share their insights with you.
1. Building Security into Your Products from Day One
Oreoluwa, a front-end developer highlights a fundamental aspect of web security: encryption. HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) encrypts communication between your website or application and your users, protecting sensitive data like login credentials and payment information from interception.
Sonia, another skilled front-end developer reminds us of the importance of secure data storage. Storing sensitive information in local storage can make it vulnerable to attacks, especially if devices are lost or stolen. Cookies, when implemented securely, offer a safer alternative.
2. Controlling Access to Your Valuable Resource
Authentication (verifying user identity) and authorisation (determining user access permissions) are fundamental security practices. Startups can implement robust access controls by:
Using strong password policies: Enforce strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager. While many software applications now force users to create strong passwords, the bigger challenge lies in password reuse. A staggering 78% of adults admit to reusing passwords across different platforms. This practice significantly increases vulnerability, as a single compromised password can grant attackers access to multiple accounts.
Implementing role-based access control (RBAC): Assign permissions based on user roles to limit access to sensitive information. For example, a customer service representative might access customer contact information but not financial records.
Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require users to provide multiple forms of verification, such as a password and a one-time code. This adds an extra layer of security, even if a password is compromised.
Limiting failed login attempts: Implement account lockout policies to prevent brute-force attacks, where attackers try to guess passwords by repeatedly trying different combinations. This could involve temporarily locking an account after a certain number of incorrect login attempts.
3. Don't Get Hooked: Recognising and Avoiding Phishing Attacks
4. Protecting Your Devices: Endpoint Security and Software Updates
Antivirus software is a crucial line of defence against malware. Consider using reputable antivirus solutions or enabling the built-in Windows Defender for comprehensive protection.
Regularly updating software is essential for patching security vulnerabilities and protecting against known exploits. Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
5. Data Protection: A Compliance and Business Imperative
Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue; it's a business imperative. By implementing these practical tips from the Spurt! team and fostering a security-conscious culture, startups can significantly reduce risk and protect valuable assets.
Remember, a proactive and comprehensive approach to security is essential in today's digital landscape.
