Regardless of industry, company size or future goals, startups must never overlook the importance of data security. Most successful companies in today’s world, including the majority of startups, have a strong online presence. For this reason, there’s always the risk of a data breach. By pinpointing the top data security mistakes, every startup can position itself to avoid this type of trouble in the future.
Here are five data security mistakes to avoid at all costs:
- Lack of a Data Backup Strategy
While some startups understand the importance of data backup, others are confused as to why this is such a big deal.
This has nothing to do with preventing a security breach, but everything to do with recovering. There are many types of backup services, including but not limited to: cloud backup, off-site backup and local backup.
When it comes to your data, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Failure to Understand that Data Security is a Company Wide Problem
Many companies look at data security and see one thing: their IT department.
While there is no denying the fact that data security concerns fall heavily on IT professionals, this should be considered a company-wide problem.
In other words, any issue regarding data security will impact the company as a whole. For this reason, especially in a startup environment, everyone should have an understanding of how critical it is to excel in this area.
- Failure to Provide Adequate Training
Are all of the necessary employees properly trained, in regards to data security? Does the same hold true for contractors, suppliers and vendors?
There is more to data security than what you see on the surface. Startups must dig deeper, realizing that one mistake can lead to lost time and money.
For example, your entire team should be familiar with best practices for minimizing the risk of ransomware.
- Reliance on Out-of-Date Systems
Go back in time 15 or 20 years and data security wasn’t discussed nearly as much as it is today.
Some startups, even though they’re new to their industry, gravitate toward outdated and obsolete protection strategies that haven’t provided high level results in many years.
An out-of-date protection strategy is one that is more likely to fail your startup in the future.
- A DIY Approach
Unless you know the ins and outs of data security and unless you know exactly what your startup needs in terms of a strategy, it’s a mistake to do everything on your own.
Yes, you want to run “lean and mean.” And yes, you’re on a tight budget as you attempt to grow your company and grab hold of market share. Even so, a DIY approach to data security could be the biggest mistake that you ever make.
With so many high level solutions available to your startup, there’s no point in going down this path. There is professional help to be had.
As part of a startup, spend as much time and resources as necessary to get things in order in regards to data security.
It only takes one data security mistake to put your company out of business. Rather than take this risk, you’re better off implementing the right strategy and building on this as you see fit.
What are some data security mistakes you’ve seen startups make? Tell us in the comments!
