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Everyone knows startups move fast.
What of security, though?
Not so much.
And that’s exactly why attackers love targeting them. They know most startups are held together with duct tape and hope when it comes to cybersecurity. No full-time security team. No airtight policies. Just a handful of IT folks (if that) juggling a dozen other things.
Hiring security pros is another mess altogether. They’re expensive, impossible to find, and don’t exactly jump at the chance to work for a company that still runs half its ops on shared Google Sheets. But ignoring security isn’t an option either. All it takes is one leaked password, one misconfigured cloud setting, one “oops” moment—and suddenly, you’re the next breach headline.
But hey, the good news is that you don’t need a 10-person security team to keep things locked down. Smart automation, outsourced expertise, and security tools that do the heavy lifting can fill the gaps. Solutions like JumpCloud’s unified endpoint management let startups enforce security policies without needing a security army.
This guide lays out exactly where startups are dropping the ball, why it’s a problem, and what to do before it’s too late.
Why Startups Face Cybersecurity Skill Gaps
Startups are built to move fast, break things, and scale like crazy—but cybersecurity? That usually gets pushed to the back burner.
It’s not that founders don’t care. It’s just that hiring security experts is expensive, and most teams don’t even know where to start. Instead, they rely on generalist IT staff, or worse, try to handle security on the fly. The result can lead to gaps attackers can waltz right through.
Cybersecurity Talent Is Expensive & Hard to Find
Hiring a seasoned security pro is nearly impossible for most startups. Big enterprises scoop them up with six-figure salaries, fat benefits, and massive security budgets. Meanwhile, startups are left scraping by with whatever budget they can pull together.
Many founders don’t prioritize security hires early on, thinking they’ll “get to it later.” The problem with that? Later usually means after a breach, compliance fine, or investor freak-out. And by then, it’s already too late.
Startups Rely on Generalist IT Staff or Founders for Security
If a startup even has an IT team, security is often just one of a hundred things on their plate. They’re busy keeping systems running, fixing employee laptops, and dealing with cloud headaches. Security is usually considered a side job—until disaster strikes.
At smaller startups, founders themselves often handle security. That’s like handing the keys to Fort Knox to someone who just watched a cybersecurity YouTube video. Best intentions aside, it’s a recipe for bad passwords, open attack surfaces, and a whole lot of wishful thinking.
Security Responsibilities Are Often Reactive, Not Proactive
Startups don’t usually think about security until something goes wrong. No one’s tracking vulnerabilities, reviewing access policies, or running security audits. Instead, it’s panic mode when a phishing attack hits or customer data gets exposed.
And without a structured security strategy, they fall into a vicious cycle—patch things up, cross their fingers, and wait for the next problem. Attackers count on this. They know startups don’t have the time, budget, or staff to stay ahead of threats.
But here’s the thing—security doesn’t have to be overwhelming. JumpCloud’s cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) gives startups the same security big enterprises use, without needing a full-time security team. The right tools bridge the gap, so startups can protect what matters without slowing down.
Where Startups Are Lacking in Cybersecurity Expertise
For startups, security takes a back seat when funding, product launches, and growth dominate the conversation. That’s exactly what cybercriminals count on. They don’t need to break into your network when misconfigurations, weak access controls, and unsecured devices leave the door wide open. Here’s where most startups drop the ball—and how to fix it before something goes wrong.
Identity and Access Management Weaknesses
Startups often rely on shared logins, weak passwords, and outdated permission settings. A former employee still having access to a cloud database might not seem like a big deal—until that account gets compromised and leaks customer data. Without single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access control (RBAC), anyone with the right credentials can slip in unnoticed.
Hackers love accounts that never expire, passwords that get reused, and logins without MFA. And once they’re in, it’s game over. A stolen password is all it takes to move laterally across cloud apps, access sensitive customer data, or launch a full-scale attack.
The best way to shut down these threats is by putting identity security front and center. JumpCloud’s MFA solution makes it easy to centralize user access, enforce MFA, and automatically cut off lingering accounts before they become a security risk.
Cloud and SaaS Security Misconfigurations
Everything runs in the cloud—but who’s securing it? Startups love SaaS tools, but most don’t configure them properly. One misstep in AWS settings, a forgotten public Google Drive link, or an exposed API key can hand attackers the keys to the kingdom.
Many startups assume their cloud provider takes care of security, but that’s only half true. The provider secures the infrastructure; you’re responsible for everything else. That means locking down storage buckets, enforcing least privilege access, and making sure admin accounts don’t have more permissions than necessary.
A strong cloud security posture can prevent these oversights from turning into disasters. Cloud security posture management (CSPM) tools help teams catch misconfigurations before hackers do. They flag weak permissions, detect exposed data, and keep cloud environments locked down.
Endpoint and Device Security Gaps
Every employee brings their own device. That means laptops, smartphones, and tablets connecting to sensitive company data without security controls in place. No encryption, no enforced patching, no remote wipe capability. A single stolen laptop could expose company IP, financial data, or login credentials.
Cybercriminals don’t need sophisticated exploits when employees connect to public Wi-Fi at coffee shops or leave their devices unlocked. A simple phishing attack can infect an entire network if an unprotected endpoint gets compromised.
Locking down devices is non-negotiable. Mobile device management (MDM) and unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions make it possible to automate security across all company devices. They push updates, enforce encryption, and ensure that if a device goes missing, IT can lock it down in seconds.
Compliance and Risk Management Deficiencies
Many startups don’t know where they stand when it comes to compliance. SOC 2? GDPR? HIPAA? Security isn’t always a priority—until investors or enterprise customers start asking real questions. That’s when companies realize they need clear policies, secure access controls, and an audit trail to prove compliance.
Lack of compliance is a business risk. Investors hesitate to back startups with weak security. Customers won’t trust companies that can’t protect their data. A single compliance failure can wreck partnerships and burn opportunities.
A better approach is getting ahead of compliance before it becomes a roadblock. Automated compliance tools help track security controls, monitor risks, and keep startups in check before regulators come knocking.
How Startups Can Close the Cybersecurity Skill Gap
Startups don’t have the luxury of massive security teams. But attackers don’t care about company size. They look for weak spots, not headcount. The good news is that you don’t need an army of security pros to lock down your environment. Here’s how startups can close the cybersecurity skill gap without breaking the bank.
Automate Security to Reduce Manual Oversight
Startups can’t afford to spend hours on routine security tasks. That’s where automation comes in. The more you can automate, the less room there is for human error.
- Identity and device security: JumpCloud helps enforce MFA, RBAC, and SSO without a dedicated security team.
- Patch management: Hackers love outdated software. Automated patching makes sure vulnerabilities get fixed before they’re exploited.
- Access policies: Set up conditional access rules that adapt to user behavior. If someone logs in from a suspicious location, automated security controls kick in.
Security is about working smarter. Automating these processes frees up time, reduces errors, and keeps hackers from slipping through the cracks.
Outsource Security Through MSSPs and vCISOs
Not every startup can afford a full-time CISO. But that doesn’t mean you have to go without expert guidance. Many companies bring in managed security service providers (MSSPs) or virtual CISOs (vCISOs) to handle security strategy, compliance, and monitoring.
MSSPs act as an external security team, offering services like:
- 24/7 threat monitoring—because attackers don’t work 9 to 5.
- Incident response—when something goes wrong, you’ve got experts ready to act.
- Compliance guidance—so you don’t scramble at the last minute when auditors come knocking.
A vCISO provides strategic leadership without the full-time salary. They help set up security policies, train employees, and make sure your startup isn’t an easy target.
Upskill Internal Teams with Security Training
Even if you don’t have a security team, you still need security-minded employees. Every developer, IT admin, and team member should understand the basics of protecting company data.
- Train IT staff on secure coding practices, access management, and threat detection.
- Encourage employees to take free security courses like the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Cybrary, or SANS Cyber Aces.
- Hold regular phishing simulations to teach teams how to spot social engineering attacks.
Security is a company-wide responsibility. Giving teams the right training turns them into your first line of defense.
Conduct Regular Security Audits and Risk Assessments
Security isn’t a one-time fix. Threats evolve. Compliance requirements change. Hackers get smarter. That’s why regular security audits are non-negotiable.
- Use automated security assessment tools to scan for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
- Run quarterly risk assessments to see where gaps exist.
- Create an incident response plan—because reacting fast can mean the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
A security audit is about getting ahead of threats before they turn into full-blown crises.
How JumpCloud Helps Startups Overcome Cybersecurity Skill Gaps
Startups don’t have time to babysit security. They need protection that works without constant tweaking, second-guessing, or hiring an army of specialists. That’s exactly what JumpCloud delivers.
Managing logins, locking down devices, keeping threats out—everything runs in the background, no extra effort needed. Employees only get access to what they need, nothing more. Devices stay updated, encrypted, and ready to wipe if they ever go missing. No security gaps, no weak spots, no scrambling when things go wrong.
Hackers don’t wait, and neither should you. Start a free 30-day trial today and see how easy security can be.
Need a walk-through? Talk to the team and get set up in no time.
