The mantra of “move fast and break things” has become hugely prominent in startup culture in recent years, and in the rush to build, launch and scale it sounds exciting. But a motto like that doesn’t sit neatly with one of the most important elements of any business: security. Often, if it is thought about at all, it’s considered as something that will be dealt with later. The problem is that “later” can arrive without warning and give you problems that weren’t solved by that initial rash of activity. Data breaches, compliance failures, and loss of consumer trust can all bring down the most promising startup.
Why founders sometimes underestimate security
Startups may assume that because they are small, they’re not a likely target for malfactors. In reality, attackers are fully aware that younger companies often lack the resources, staff, and processes that are standard for a larger business. A lean team focusing on the core mission may simply not have a person responsible for access management, encryption, or routine audits. And it may also have cutting-edge IP or startup capital that lies unprotected as a result.
A common trap is equating “cloud-based” with “secure”. While cloud providers certainly have robust infrastructure, it is still a company’s responsibility to configure systems correctly and monitor for suspicious activity. Ignoring this important task can create gaps that bad actors are easily able to exploit.
Business consequences that could easily have been avoided
Every year, there are high-growth startups that hit the headlines for the wrong reasons. Customer data being leaked, downtime as a result of ransomware, or intellectual property stolen from unprotected systems. These incidents are more than just unfortunate setbacks: they damage credibility, scare off potential investors, and can delay or completely derail a fundraising round. And, so often, they come down to the basics: weak password policies, failure to update software, unmonitored access points. But the good news is that some forward planning can prevent all of this.
Strong physical and digital access control can prevent outsiders from walking through the front door – be that a literal or metaphorical one. Companies like Genetec show how modern security systems can be integrated with everyday ops, making it easier for your startup to protect its assets without preventing that “move fast” ethos. You can probably leave out the “break stuff” element, though – reducing risks while improving efficiency is how you gain a competitive edge.
Baking in security from Day One
The smartest thing a business can do is treat security as part of the business model rather than a feature to be added at a later stage. Startups should begin by creating a security policy that is simple and flexible, which can be scaled with growth. It means clear rules around employee access, encryption of sensitive data, and a plan for reacting to incidents.
Regular security reviews should be scheduled alongside product-related sprints, ensuring that Achilees heels are spotted and fixed before they become open knowledge. Equally importantly, it is up to founders to create a culture where each team member understands their part in security; that it is not just for the IT department to worry about. By prioritzing security from day one, startups can move as fast as they want without leaving themselves exposed – and that foresight could be the smartest business decision they make.