EP #437 - Karolis Arbaciauskas: Why Cybersecurity Should Be a Startup’s 1st Priority
Sep 15, 2024
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Karolis Arbaciauskas, Head of Product & Business Development at NordPass, shares his journey from volunteering to cybersecurity. He stresses the importance of integrating cybersecurity from day one for startups, dispelling myths that it’s only for large companies. Karolis dives into the reasons behind data breaches and discusses the alarming rise of 'ransomware as a service.' He also emphasizes the critical role of password management and compliance, urging startups to prioritize safety to foster customer trust.
Cybersecurity must be prioritized by startups from the outset to protect against indiscriminate cyber attacks that can severely harm operations.
Implementing effective password management and security tools is crucial to safeguard against data breaches primarily caused by weak passwords.
Deep dives
The Vital Role of Cybersecurity for Startups
Cybersecurity should be a top priority for startups, even before finalizing their product or identifying their market. This is crucial because cyber attacks can affect any company, regardless of its size or revenue. Many startups mistakenly believe that they aren't attractive targets for hackers, but most cyber attacks are indiscriminate and can impact any business, including small startups. Implementing basic security measures early on can prevent future data breaches that could significantly harm their operations and reputation.
Common Myths About Cybersecurity
Startups often hold misconceptions about cybersecurity, believing it to be too complex and costly for their operations. However, there are modern cybersecurity tools designed specifically for small businesses that are user-friendly and affordable. Many startups think they can postpone cyber security because they perceive themselves as low-risk targets, but they remain vulnerable to widespread cyber threats. Education on these myths is essential, as investing in cybersecurity now can save companies from severe repercussions later.
Understanding Data Breach Causes
Data breaches primarily stem from weak passwords, with around 80% attributed to their misuse. The dark web is a notable source, where billions of stolen credentials circulate and can be exploited in various ways, including phishing and ransomware attacks. The growing prevalence of 'ransomware as a service' has lowered the entry barrier for cybercriminals, increasing the risk for all businesses. Awareness of these threats can guide startups to implement better security practices and tools.
The Importance of Password Management
Effective password management is pivotal in enhancing company security, with password managers playing a crucial role in generating and storing strong, unique passwords. Features like two-factor authentication are essential, but many users still overlook them due to convenience or laziness. Password managers not only simplify secure password storage but also integrate additional security layers, creating a comprehensive system for protecting sensitive information. Companies that encourage the use of password managers among their employees can significantly enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.
21:02 - Is Europe a good place to build a scaleup?
This episode was co-produced/sponsored by NordPass. Use code “swisspreneur” at checkout to get 30% off Business and Teams plans.
About Karolis Arbaciauskas:
Karolis Arbaciauskas is the Head of Product & Business Development at NordPass, a password management solution and part of Nord Security, the world’s leading cybersecurity company. He holds an MA in Economics from The Berlin School of Economics and Law and previously worked for companies like L'Oréal, Nordea and Danske Bank before joining NordPass in 2020.
During his chat with Silvan, Karolis tried to dispel the myth that cybersecurity concerns are a milestone which ought only be available to developed scaleups — he thinks being safe online should be something which startups tackle from day one. He also provided insight into the main causes of data breaches, spoke about how cybersecurity and the dark web are connected and introduced the concept of Ransomware as a Service, which basically consists of more skilled hackers building and selling software that less skilled hackers can use to hack their victims.