startups<\/a> need to understand: it\u2019s not a static problem. The tools and tactics used by cybercriminals change every few months, if not weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIf I had to pick the top three threats right now, AI-enabled cyberattacks would top the list. We\u2019re seeing a rise in sophisticated attacks powered by artificial intelligence, from deepfake phishing to automated vulnerability scanning and exploitation. These are faster, more adaptive, and harder to detect than traditional threats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, and this may surprise some, is human negligence. It’s not a \u201cthreat\u201d in the classic sense, but it\u2019s often the root cause of security breaches. You can spend millions on tech, but one employee clicking the wrong link can still bring the system down. Humans remain the weakest link.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And third, phishing is still a huge problem. It’s old-school, but highly effective. Startups are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the infrastructure to detect and respond to social engineering attacks quickly. Phishing doesn\u2019t need to be advanced to be dangerous, it just needs to be convincing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How has the cybersecurity landscape changed over the past five years? What trends should startups keep an eye on?<\/strong>
The past five years have been transformational. The biggest disruptor has been AI and, again, it\u2019s a double-edged sword. AI is helping us build smarter, more efficient cybersecurity tools that automate detection and response. But on the flip side, attackers are using the same AI to supercharge their campaigns.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother major shift is that every new technology introduces new vulnerabilities. AI, blockchain, IoT they all come with their own security challenges. And often, organizations adopt these technologies faster than they can secure them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, governmental and regulatory forces are playing a bigger role. From GDPR to CCPA and now the Cyber Resilience Act, we’re seeing a global trend toward mandatory cybersecurity compliance. This is actually a good thing it forces businesses to maintain at least a minimum viable security posture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Should cybersecurity be a legal responsibility for startups, or is that too ambitious at an early stage?<\/strong>
In an ideal world, yes, cybersecurity would be a legal responsibility for every business, regardless of size. But in the real world, especially for startups, it\u2019s complicated.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStartups often don\u2019t have the budget or the team to build a full-fledged cybersecurity framework. As a founder myself, I know how tough it is, cybersecurity can feel like a luxury when you\u2019re trying to stay afloat. But that doesn\u2019t mean startups are off the hook.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What I believe and advocate is a shared responsibility model. Cybersecurity shouldn\u2019t be one person\u2019s job. Everyone, from founders to interns, should be aware of the basic principles of digital safety. Startups may not be able to do everything, but they can start with the basics: secure passwords, multi-factor authentication, data access control, and regular backups. These don\u2019t cost much but can go a long way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do global data regulations like GDPR, CCPA, and the Cyber Resilience Act shape the way startups operate?<\/strong>
They\u2019re reshaping the mindset and that\u2019s crucial. A few years ago, cybersecurity was often viewed as a luxury. Many smaller companies thought, \u201cWhy would anyone target us?\u201d That thinking no longer holds.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThese regulations are forcing accountability. They\u2019re saying: If you’re collecting user data, you\u2019re responsible for securing it. No exceptions. And that accountability builds trust not just with regulators, but with customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What these regulations have done is establish a baseline culture of cybersecurity. Even if a company isn\u2019t directly under the purview of something like GDPR, they often adopt the practices anyway to future-proof their operations. This is especially important as startups scale globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you believe governments should impose stricter cybersecurity regulations on startups, or offer more support instead?<\/strong>
Support first, regulations later. Imposing strict rules too early can backfire. Startups, already stretched thin, might try to find workarounds just to stay in business.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat governments should do instead is invest in capacity-building offer grants, training programs, and subsidized tools. Help small businesses adopt best practices without breaking their budgets. Once there\u2019s a baseline maturity in the ecosystem, then phase in stricter compliance rules.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This layered or phased approach is more sustainable and more effective in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There\u2019s talk of a cybersecurity talent shortage. Is it really that hard to find skilled professionals?<\/strong>
There\u2019s no shortage of interest but there is a gap between certifications and real-world skills. Many candidates have credentials but lack hands-on experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStartups, in particular, need practical problem-solvers, not just textbook experts. What we need more of are experiential learning platforms, internships, cyber ranges, environments where people can learn by doing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For founders, my advice is to hire based on potential and adaptability. You might not be able to compete with tech giants on salary, but you can offer learning, autonomy, and purpose, which many securities professionals\u2019 values just as much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you could give one piece of cybersecurity advice to every new founder, what would it be?<\/strong>
Don\u2019t let lack of budget stop you from doing something.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThere are tons of free and low-cost resources out there from SANS to OWASP to NIST guidelines. You can absolutely build a minimal, but meaningful, cybersecurity foundation even if you\u2019re bootstrapping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treat cybersecurity like any other critical function, your dev team, your HR, your marketing. It\u2019s not optional anymore. Even a basic security hygiene culture can drastically reduce your risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do you think cybersecurity will eventually be seen as a fundamental utility, as essential as electricity or water?<\/strong>
Without a doubt. We already rely on digital infrastructure for everything, finance, healthcare, transportation, energy. If any of these go down due to a cyberattack, the consequences are devastating.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCybersecurity is no longer just about protecting data. It’s about protecting lives and national security. We\u2019re also seeing how cyber warfare is becoming a central strategy in geopolitical conflicts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So yes, cybersecurity will and should, become a default layer of modern society. It\u2019s the new electricity. Invisible, but absolutely essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Vivek Chandran\u2019s message to founders is clear: cybersecurity is a necessity, not a luxury. Startups may face budgetary and staffing constraints, but that\u2019s no excuse for ignoring the risks. From AI-driven threats to phishing scams and regulatory pressures, the cyber battlefield is real, and unforgiving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fortunately, knowledge is power. And as Vivek points out, the tools to get started are already out there, many of them free. For founders in 2025, the goal isn’t perfection, it\u2019s proactive protection<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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