New Year’s cybersecurity resolutions that every startup should keep

Cybersecurity tips for startups to evade hacks: use password managers, MFA, update software, backup data, be transparent.

: 2024 saw numerous cyberattacks, from AT&T's breaches affecting nearly all customers to Ticketmaster's loss of 560 million records. Startups can protect themselves in 2025 by securely storing passwords using password managers or passkeys, implementing multi-factor authentication, and keeping software updated. Regular data backups and skepticism towards unexpected calls can further help. Transparency in the event of a breach is crucial for customer trust and potential mitigation.

Amid a year rife with data breaches and ransomware attacks, even corporations like AT&T and Ticketmaster faced significant cyber incidents, exposing millions of customer records. Startups can learn from these events by adopting prudent cybersecurity measures such as using password managers to avoid password reuse vulnerabilities and embracing passkeys to resist phishing threats.

Implementing multifactor authentication (MFA) can significantly enhance account security, as simply using passwords has proved insufficient, contributing to compromised personal records. Companies like Snowflake illustrate how a lack of MFA can lead to severe data breaches, emphasizing the importance of using authenticator apps over less secure SMS codes.

Additionally, keeping software updated to counter vulnerabilities, regularly backing up data to thwart ransomware, and exercising caution with unexpected phone calls are crucial steps. Being transparent about security incidents allows startups to maintain customer trust and help others guard against similar attacks, while avoiding reputational harm and fines.

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