Last week, I attended the Tech in Asia Conference and met with tech startups from Indonesia and other countries. It was exciting to see the innovative ideas and projects coming out of these communities. However, one recurring observation caught my attention: many Indonesian startups tend to focus primarily on product development, sometimes overlooking critical aspects like security.

It’s understandable—startups are often under pressure to develop quickly, capture the market, and deliver value to their users. Security, however, shouldn’t take a backseat. Risks in the digital space are continually evolving, and a single breach could impact brand reputation and customer trust, especially for growing companies.

For instance, some companies still merge diverse IT roles under a single title, not fully recognising that IT is an umbrella term that covers areas like development, engineering, and security. When responsibilities are blurred, security can be inadvertently deprioritised. Moreover, in some cases, “security” may only mean installing antivirus software, which—while essential—is only a starting point for effective protection.

Affordable security tips for startups

Recognising the importance of security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Here are some affordable ways startups can bolster their security without disrupting their budgets or workflow:

• Implement basic security protocols: Simple, consistent practices like enabling two-factor authentication (2FA), using strong passwords, and regularly updating software can make a big difference. For instance, 2FA adds an extra layer of security that’s simple but effective against unauthorised access.

• Leverage free or low-cost security tools: Many security solutions offer free tiers or affordable subscriptions specifically designed for small businesses and startups. Tools like Bitdefender, Avast, or open-source options like ClamAV provide basic protection at low or no cost.

Also Read: Securing tomorrow’s metaverse today: Why safety in the new frontier must leverage on hardware

• Train the team on security awareness: Phishing and social engineering are major security threats that often target employees, not systems. Regular, simple training sessions can raise awareness and help team members recognise and avoid scams or suspicious activity.
• Regularly back up data: Data backups are crucial in the event of data breaches, accidental deletions, or hardware failures. Regular, automated backups to secure cloud storage can safeguard data and ensure business continuity.
• Consider managed security services: If hiring an in-house security expert is too costly, consider managed security services, which offer professional oversight at a fraction of the cost. This could be especially useful for monitoring and protecting against more complex security threats.
• Use free DevSecOps tools for code security: Startups can integrate free DevSecOps tools to automatically scan their code for vulnerabilities before deployment. By incorporating these tools into their CI/CD pipelines, startups can prevent vulnerabilities from reaching production without adding extra costs.

By taking these small yet effective steps, startups can begin building a foundation of security without disrupting their focus on innovation and growth. After all, building trust with users today sets the stage for sustainable growth in the future.

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