A 10-Step Internet Security Plan for Startups

With the continued development of technologies poised to connect a whole new generation of devices to the Internet, it’s more important than ever for startups to have a comprehensive security plan in place. Experts recommend covering your bases by following these 10 steps:

1. Plan your strategy. Begin by identifying the aspects of your business at the greatest risk of disruption, and build your strategy around protecting them.
2. Make Internet security a priority. Create a company culture of Internet security as soon as you launch your business.
3. Choose platforms wisely. Some operating systems and platforms are more secure than others; do your research and select the safest ones for your applications.
4. Be safe about email. Many cyber threats still originate through email. Consider multi-step user authentication, encryption, malware filters and phishing filters as part of your strategy.
5. Secure your website. Experts recommend protecting websites with DDoS neutralizers, Internet firewalls, device identification and payment API protections.
6. Communications. Let end users and customers know about the risks you face so they can take additional protective steps to prevent problems.
7. Don’t forget about traditional security. Onsite security systems and access controls remain important; don’t overlook them.
8. Lock down your internal network. Keep close tabs on your IT assets, and be sure administrative accounts are secure. Use proxies, patching and encryption to further protect your internal systems and backups.
9. Code carefully. Code analysis and security APIs will help coding teams avoid common traps and pitfalls.
10. Have a backup plan. You’re still at risk, no matter how carefully you prepare. Have an actionable plan in place so you can respond quickly to a cyber attack.

If your employees make extensive use of mobile and wireless technologies, make sure to get accurate and thorough security information from the mobile app development company that provides the tools you use. Cyber threats are increasingly targeting wireless devices, given their increasing use and higher levels of vulnerability.

Boston app development professionals and software designers are prioritizing safety, but threats will always exist. Designers face ongoing security challenges just as companies do, and the stronger the industry-wide safety effort is, the more secure business will be for everyone.