Cyber Security for Start-Up Businesses

There appears to be a culture of entrepreneurship evident across the UK at the moment, with London having been ranked sixth in the Global Start-up Ecosystem Rankings 2015 last year, and cities ranging from Glasgow and Edinburgh, to Brighton and Bristol all having recorded over 2,000 business start-ups over the course of 2015. The start-up landscape is also seeing huge diversity too, especially in London, with the growth of creative media and fashion businesses being matched by the founding of financial and technology based companies. With the British economy continuing to show signs of improvement, there seems little chance of the pace slowing down either.

Whatever the opportunity, if your start-up business in 2016 isn’t an online-based model, then it will still require a digital aspect for you to reach your client base. Some of the more renowned start-ups over the past few years have relied almost entirely on their online presence, with the creation of profiles that store data on individuals from which tickets can be booked, goods can be purchased and services can be requested. This mass of personal data ranges from card details to addresses, the type of private information that you share under the proviso that it will be well protected. But is it always?

With that amount of personal data being collected, not only for individuals but for businesses too, it is no wonder that cyber criminals are beginning to take notice and see whether start-ups have dedicated the required budget to security. The vulnerabilities of a start-up fall across multiple areas. Budget, as mentioned, is often one, with security not always considered a priority. Another, though, is reputation. Should word spread that data has been breached, this can prove fatal to a new business. Loyalty is yet to be developed, and the threat of personal data becoming compromised will see masses flock away to look for the new alternative.

Cyber security is often feared to be an expensive addition to a business strategy, when in fact it is an essential one. For start-ups, perception is everything. A single breach can mean the end, but as well as that there is a moral obligation to secure the information you are entrusted with. For those businesses who rely heavily on online sales and the creation of profiles, security should be the top priority. Even for those who are not strictly a digital enterprise, but do take advantage of digital media, it is still important.

There are a number of simple, cost-effective ways that you can keep your start-up secure without having to break the bank. Robust security systems, training of staff and processes developed to combat the Insider Threat all come to mind. All of these areas can severely mitigate the chances of an attack, and are areas that Digital Pathways are more than happy to discuss. If you are a new business, or in the process of incorporating, then speak to us today for some impartial advice on how to keep safe.