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Cybercrime has cost companies an estimated $8 trillion in 2023—and is expected to rise to nearly $24 trillion by 2027.
More pressingly, small businesses are also targeted by malicious actors. In fact,
That’s why innovative startups are rethinking their approach to network operations, seeking to strengthen their perimeters amid an ever-changing landscape. Recent research revealed that businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees also face the daunting challenge of cyber attacks.
In 2023, 41% of small businesses experienced a cyberattack, nearly doubling from 22% in 2021 and up from 38% in 2022.
And while cyber defenders are getting smarter—so are cyber criminals.
To outsmart them, your peers are taking complacency out of the table. Zero. Trust. Every user, device, and connection is checked, making sure even the craftiest cybercriminals don’t get past defenses.
Industry leaders like AT&T Cybersecurity emphasize the importance of network segmentation for any organization. If you’re faced with the challenge of establishing a robust, resilient, and secure network for your startup, then you’ll surely appreciate this article.
Dive into this five-minute read to discover:
The impact of zero trust
How infusing this strategy will give a strong starting point for resilience
Whether you should pursue a DIY approach or use the help of an expert
Zero Trust, Complete Security
Zero trust offers a modern and actionable path forward.
By eliminating assumptions of inherent trust within a network, this strategy enables you to establish a structure where every access request is verified before granting permissions.
That’s why its principles are redefining how businesses secure operations—and you’re invited to follow suit.
Zero trust focuses on continuous authentication, access control, and robust monitoring to minimize risks tied to credential misuse, insider threats, and unauthorized access.
Startups that adopt zero trust will experience measurable improvements, including better security through the elimination of automatic trust, smaller network zones to prevent breaches, and easier compliance with clear, standardized rules. Zero trust also supports safe growth with remote and cloud teams, strengthens customer trust by ensuring robust protection, simplifies security management, and leads to cost savings by preventing costly cyberattacks.
Every cybersecurity professional (and their organization) will appreciate these capabilities. Yet, the impact of zero trust extends beyond immediate security gains: It helps build credibility.
For customers, partners, and investors, it shows integrity, honesty, and a focus on protecting sensitive data. It lets them know the business is serious about security and ready for any cyber threats, building trust and long-lasting relationships.
Building Zero Trust: DIY or Expert Guidance
The pathway to zero trust implementation depends on a startup’s resources, expertise, and timeline.
Startups can choose to set up Zero Trust security themselves or partner with a provider.
Doing it in-house means full control, but it requires time, effort, and technical know-how to find risks and set up protections.
Partnering with a provider makes the process faster and easier. They have the expertise to handle setup and updates, letting you focus on growing your business. The following explores both options to help you decide what’s best for your startup.
In-House ImplementationIf your startup has a skilled cybersecurity team, then your resources won’t be stretched thin after embracing a DIY approach. This allows for tailored design, full control over integrations, and alignment with specific operational needs.
The first step is to determine your network’s current security posture. This includes identifying vulnerabilities, potential attack points, and critical assets that require protection.
This initial assessment will serve as the foundation for developing your Zero Trust strategy. From there, you must divide your network into smaller, more manageable trust zones, isolating sensitive data and critical systems to limit the potential damage of a breach.
Then, implement strong access controls by defining granular, role-based permissions for users and devices.
However, a smaller cybersecurity team likely won’t be able to keep up with the demands of a DIY approach—as it demands significant time, technical knowledge, and resource investment.
That’s where the second option comes into play.
Partnering with ProvidersRelying on a zero trust provider for your startup makes a lot of sense, especially if you want to stay focused on growing your business without dealing with complex security issues.
The right partner will provide expert knowledge—a prerequisite for a complex security method. Setting everything up correctly is the foundation of a resilient network.
Moreover, building a zero trust system from scratch can be expensive. You’ll need to buy technology, tools, and set up the right infrastructure. This includes costs for identity systems, network security tools, and monitoring solutions.
The right provider will ensure quick setup and handle ongoing maintenance, saving you time and resources. Additionally, once you have a zero trust system, you’ll need to keep it updated and monitored to stay ahead of new threats. This requires IT staff and extra resources, leading to higher costs.
Working with a zero trust provider often includes support and updates, so you don’t have to manage everything in-house. Not only that, but it also requires special tools to monitor traffic, control who accesses data, and protect your systems. In short, using a zero trust provider lets you protect your startup without the stress, and it helps your startup grow securely.
Conclusion
Cyber attacks are becoming more complex, with malicious actors growing increasingly brazen.
Adopting a “never trust, always verify” mindset will help you lay the foundation for a resilient and secure network, allowing your startup to grow safely and efficiently without compromising on protection.
Zero trust should be considered as a way to build trust and long-term relationships. It reassures stakeholders that your organization is serious about security and ready to handle the evolving threat landscape.
And whether you take the DIY route or partner with a zero trust provider, you’ll be able to safeguard your network, minimize risks from credential misuse, insider threats, and unauthorized access.
Adopting zero trust is the first step toward safeguarding your startup’s future. Start today to build a foundation for trust, security, and growth.