Startups are typically lean and mean teams whose energies are focused on getting a business or product off the ground. It's not unusual for employees to work overtime on these efforts, nor it is surprising to see founders forgo a paycheck to keep their fledgling companies afloat. Now that's dedication!

But what if all this hard work was for naught, simply because a hacker infiltrated your network? That would be heartbreaking. Unfortunately, many startups lack even the most basic cybersecurity protocols to prevent this.

Do you know who is in charge of your startup's cybersecurity? If you don't it's time to reflect upon your digital defenses and act before it's too late.

Whose Job Is It Anyway?
For some, the job of digital defense manager falls to a cybersecurity analyst whose duties include the planning and implementation of security measures to protect networks, devices and data. These analysts are also expected to keep up-to-date on the latest threats and trends in the industry.

If you're looking to hire a cybersecurity analyst, CyberPolicy recommends finding someone who is vigilant and has a wide professional background in technology. These skills will help them identify and mitigate risks before they turn into problems.

Some newbie companies prefer to hire an in-house IT team or external agency to help them shore up their cybersecurity. Both approaches have unique benefits and drawbacks, so it's important to examine your options before making a commitment.

One of the benefits of hiring an IT team to work in-house is they are keenly attuned to your specific needs by virtue of being in the office every day. Additionally, these employees are available immediately when you need them. They are also officially a part of your organization, so they are more likely to be emotionally invested in your company's digital health.

On the other hand, many startups prefer to hire an agency of external experts because it is more efficient than seeking and hiring a team of IT experts. In fact, the cybersecurity industry is experiencing a talent gap, in which the demand for defense experts outweighs the number of experts currently available.

As you can see, there are a number of different answers to the question of who's in charge of startup cybersecurity. But in reality, the responsibility falls on every member of your organization.

Research shows employees are the weakest link in the cybersecurity chain. Putting every employee "in charge of cybersecurity, you can actually improve your chances of preventing and surviving a cyberattack or data breach. Business leaders and founders can establish a culture of cybersecurity in their organization by hosting routine defense training sessions and rewarding those employees who follow proper protocol.

Of course, even with the best cybersecurity measures, digital incursion is all but inevitable. Therefore, it's wise for startups and other small businesses to invest in cyber liability insurance from a respected provider.

Visit CyberPolicy for your free cyber insurance quote today. It's affordable, simple and the perfect safety net for businesses like yours.