Introduction
In today’s hyperconnected world, cybersecurity is not a luxury — it’s a business necessity.
With over 50% of Danish companies hit by cyberattacks according to a TDC report, startups and scale-ups are increasingly vulnerable. Yet, many founders underestimate just how real — and costly — the risk can be.
At TechBBQ’s “Next Door Security” event, a panel featuring Christoph Mayer (One Peak), Nina Schwarz (Fremsyn), Kristian Jacobsen (Seculyze), and moderator Alex Steninge Jacobsen (Seculyze) delivered practical advice: you can significantly boost your company’s cybersecurity posture without breaking the bank.
Here’s how.
Why Startups Must Prioritize Cybersecurity Early
In today’s threat landscape, cybersecurity is no longer optional for startups. As attacks increase and investors scrutinize security from day one, embedding cybersecurity into company culture is critical for both resilience and long-term growth.
The Growing Threat Landscape
Startups are no longer flying under the radar.
Attackers are increasingly targeting small and medium businesses because they often lack strong defenses — making them the weakest link in supply chains and valuable targets for data theft, financial fraud, and ransomware.
Scale brings exposure. As your customer base and visibility grow, so does your cyber risk.
The Investor Perspective on Cybersecurity
According to Christoph Mayer, investors start assessing your cybersecurity culture from the very first meeting.
It’s not enough to say, “We have it under control.” Founders need to demonstrate security awareness, prioritize cybersecurity on their roadmaps, and integrate it into company culture.
For investors, a founder who understands cybersecurity is a founder who understands sustainable growth.
5 Budget-Friendly Cybersecurity Measures for Growth and Protection
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
If you only do one thing today, set up MFA.
It’s simple, cheap, and highly effective. MFA ensures that even if a password is stolen, a second verification layer keeps hackers out.
🔹Pro Tip: Focus first on high-privilege accounts like administrators, executives, and customer-facing systems.
Regular Backups and Recovery Plans
When ransomware strikes, your backups are your lifeline.
Frequent, tested backups ensure you can recover your data without paying a ransom or losing critical business operations.
🔹Pro Tip: Store backups in a separate, secure environment — not just connected to your main network.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Traditional antivirus is no longer enough.
EDR solutions proactively detect suspicious behavior on devices before it escalates into a breach.
🔹Pro Tip: Affordable, startup-friendly EDR services are available — you don’t need a corporate-sized budget.
Least Privilege Access Principles
Only give employees the minimum access necessary to perform their jobs.
This drastically reduces the blast radius if an account is compromised.
🔹Pro Tip: Regularly audit user permissions and quickly revoke access for departing employees or shifting roles.
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Integrate Security into Your Development Cycle
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue — it’s a product issue.
Embed secure coding practices like dependency management (e.g., GitHub Dependabot) from the start.
🔹Pro Tip: Make vulnerability scanning part of your standard deployment pipeline. Prevention is far cheaper than a breach.
Creating a Culture of Security Without Breaking the Bank
Strong cybersecurity starts with culture, not costly tools. For startups, building security habits early and choosing smart, affordable solutions can deliver lasting protection without breaking the budget.
Why Security Culture Beats Expensive Tools
You can buy every cybersecurity tool available, but without a strong internal culture, your defenses will fail.
As Kristian Jacobsen emphasized, security starts with people, not technology.
- Embed cybersecurity awareness in onboarding.
- Run regular security drills.
- Normalize conversations about cybersecurity across teams.
- Small habits, consistently applied, are more powerful than the most sophisticated software.
Affordable Tools and Partnerships for Startups
Today’s market offers cost-effective cybersecurity solutions designed specifically for SMBs and startups:
- Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) tailored for small businesses.
- SaaS tools for vulnerability management, endpoint protection, and compliance.
- Solutions that help you reach ISO-like standards affordably.
Tip: Partner with providers who understand startup needs — you don’t need Fortune 500 budgets to be secure.
Conclusion
Good cybersecurity is a growth enabler, not an obstacle.It builds customer trust, strengthens your brand, and attracts investment.
The best part? You don’t need millions to secure your business — just smart choices, consistent practices, and a culture that values protection from day one.
Start with these five practical, budget-friendly measures, and you’ll not only protect your company — you’ll empower it to thrive.
Speakers
Kristian Jacobsen, CPO, Seculyze
Kristian Jacobsen is the Co-founder and Chief Product Officer (CPO) at Seculyze. With deep technical expertise and frontline experience in major Danish cyber incidents, Kristian focuses on making enterprise-grade cybersecurity accessible to startups and scale-ups.
Nina Schwartz, CEO, Fremsyn
Nina Schwarz is the CEO of Fremsyn, a green tech company driving sustainable energy solutions. With firsthand experience managing a cyberattack in her own company, Nina offers a real-world perspective on the critical importance of cybersecurity for small and growing businesses
Alex Steninge Jacobsen, CEO, Seculyze
Alex Steninge Jacobsen is the CEO of Seculyze, a cybersecurity platform focused on empowering organizations with smarter, faster threat detection. As moderator of the panel, Alex brings deep experience bridging cybersecurity and startup innovation.
Christoph Mayer, Partner, One Peak
Christoph Mayer is a Partner at One Peak, a leading European growth equity firm investing in fast-scaling B2B software companies. Christoph brings an investor’s lens to cybersecurity, highlighting its essential role in building scalable, investable businesses.
FAQs
Can small companies really be targeted by cyberattacks?
Yes — startups are often targeted precisely because they are perceived as easy entry points for attackers.
What cybersecurity measures offer the most impact for low cost?
Multi-factor authentication, backups, endpoint detection, least privilege access, and secure development practices provide strong protection at low cost.
Why do investors care about cybersecurity during funding rounds?
Poor cybersecurity risks brand damage, customer trust, and scalability — all of which investors critically assess before investing.
How do I build a cybersecurity culture in a small team?
Lead by example, embed training in onboarding, hold regular awareness sessions, and reward proactive security behavior.
What’s the difference between traditional antivirus and EDR solutions?
EDR detects and responds to threats in real time, offering proactive defense compared to the passive nature of traditional antivirus.