What Early Startups Actually Need for Security Initially

Written By Andrew Alaniz

A Practical Guide to Getting Started

Let’s keep this simple: if you're an early-stage startup or small business, you don't need a SOC 2 tomorrow. You don't need to buy a SIEM. You don’t even need to hire a CISO yet.

But you do need to get the fundamentals right. And most companies are starting from the same place—whether they realize it or not.

The Tech Stack Most Startups Start With

Generally, I see three patterns when it comes to early business software:

1. The Microsoft Stack

  • Outlook, Bookings, Teams, OneDrive, Azure, Windows laptops

  • Usually paired with Defender for Endpoint (paid version)

2. The Anti-Microsoft Stack

  • Gmail, Calendly, Slack, Zoom, AWS, macOS

  • Often using a patchwork of tools for collaboration and cloud

3. The “We’re Figuring It Out” Stack

  • A blend of the above: Google for email, Windows laptops, AWS + some Azure

  • More common than people admit

Other tools I usually see across the board:

  • QuickBooks for finances

  • GitHub or GitLab for code

  • Squarespace or Webflow for websites

  • Time tracking or invoicing software

  • An iPhone or Android phone used as a business endpoint

  • Social media

No matter where you start, the following principles are non-negotiable.

Step 1: MFA Everywhere, Always

Every login. No exceptions.
🧠And no, SMS doesn’t count as strong MFA anymore—go with an authenticator app or a hardware token if you can.

✅If your apps support passkeys, even better. Use them.

Step 2: Unique Passwords for Every App

Reused passwords are still one of the top reasons companies get breached.
✅Use a password manager—1Password is my recommendation. It works across all device types and makes secure practices usable.

Best option: go passwordless everywhere you can.

Step 3: Protect Your Devices

Whether your team is all-Windows, all-macOS, or mixed, you need endpoint protection.

My recommendation:

  • CrowdStrike Falcon or

  • Microsoft Defender for Business (the paid version—not the free one)

✅Use this on both laptops and mobile phones. Don’t skip phones—many phishing links get clicked on mobile first.

Step 4: Don’t Share Admin Accounts

It’s tempting when you're small: one AWS root account, one email admin, one person doing it all.
That’s a risk multiplier.

  • Use separate accounts for admin access

  • Use roles in AWS, not IAM users

  • Use admin groups in Azure or Google Workspace—not personal emails

Step 5: Turn On the Right Cloud Security Features

You don’t need a full SIEM, but you do need visibility. Here’s where to start:

For AWS:

  • Enable CloudTrail, GuardDuty, and Security Hub

  • Monitor for anomalies and misconfigurations

  • root account should basically never be used and you should know if it ever is

  • Encrypt data storage

  • Don’t make endpoints directly visible to the internet and make sure you’re reviewing it

For Azure:

  • Turn on Defender for Cloud

  • Use the Secure Score dashboard to improve your posture

This telemetry gives you meaningful signal without spending thousands a month.

Step 6: Protect Your Domain

If your domain can be spoofed, your customers can be phished—and you’ll be the one apologizing.

  • ✅Set up DKIM, DMARC, and SPF records for your email domain

  • It’s not expensive, but it is technical—get help if needed

This keeps attackers from sending emails that look like they came from you.

Step 7: Plan for What You’ll Do When Something Breaks

Not if. When.

✅At a minimum, you need:

  • A short, written cyber incident response plan

  • A clear point of contact for legal, communications, and technical help

  • A list of who you’ll call when things go sideways (internal and external)

Even if you're a team of five, write it down now—it will save you hours in a crisis.

When to Bring in Outside Help

You’re probably okay on your own until:

  • You start handling sensitive customer data (especially credentials or PII)

  • You get vendor security questionnaires

  • You’re asked to get SOC 2 certified (but be careful because this is easily over sold)

  • You’re trying to close an enterprise deal and hit a security roadblock

At that point, it's time to get help from someone who can scale your security along with your growth.

Final Thought:
Security doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive in the early days.
If you get these fundamentals right, you’ll be ahead of 90% of startups your size—and in a much better position to scale safely.

If you want help or want to talk to someone about these, setup some time and we can help: Schedule a Consultation

Stay Tuned for more posts like this focused on larger startups as they approach their Series A.

Andrew Alaniz