With the rise of innovative technology comes the rise of innovative ways for hackers to steal data and compromise organizations with weak points. Data shows that 40% of small businesses worldwide have reported losing crucial data due to a cyberattack, and 60% of small businesses close within 6 months of falling victim to hackers. This nationwide issue has led Arjun Subramanian, an experienced cybersecurity and technology expert, to dedicate his career to empowering businesses’ digital infrastructures by reducing operational waste and strengthening cybersecurity frameworks.
“Many startups assume cybercriminals are only targeting large enterprises, but that’s not the case,” Arjun explains. “Cybercriminals often target businesses that have weaker security systems and fewer resources to defend themselves. A startup might think it’s not at risk, but an unsecured cloud environment or poor access controls can expose sensitive data, leading to data breaches, financial loss, and reputational damage.”
One example of this gap is if a startup utilizes the cloud but doesn’t properly configure permissions. Hackers can use this to gain access to confidential customer information. This leads to a breach of trust for the customer that will likely have long-lasting impacts on the relationship, not to mention the violation of privacy that the customer will feel. Providers like AWS, Nutanix, Rubrik, and Veeam are helpful in ensuring data is secure and maintaining recoverability in the case of a breach.
Many companies are reluctant to invest in expensive cloud servers, but it’s kind of like health insurance — you pay a premium on the off chance you get hit with a six-figure hospital bill. If that happens, a couple of hundred dollars monthly doesn’t seem so bad. And, of course, it’s not all about the risk of a severe attack. Allocating more resources towards having secure platforms can mean more time and energy for human beings to focus on innovation, connectivity, and long-term goals.
One of the most common mistakes Arjun sees is businesses focusing too much on short-term savings, like opting for a more basic cloud server without considering scalability long-term, as well as potential cyberattacks that will be able to more easily bypass a lower quality server. So many startups build temporary solutions without considering the financial impact this shortcut could accumulate as they grow. Instead, they should focus on prioritizing scalable, cloud-native technologies from the start.
Take investors. They’re looking to put their resources toward businesses that can grow upwards smoothly without suffering constant technical setbacks. “A solid IT infrastructure ensures that a company can handle growth without facing operational disruptions,” Arjun says. “A business that uses automation tools for disaster recovery shows that it is prepared for worst-case scenarios, minimizing the risk of downtime and data loss. This level of operational stability gives investors confidence that the company will continue to scale without being bogged down by infrastructure issues, making it more attractive in terms of both value and long-term growth potential.”
Plus, in order to compete on a global scale, American businesses would be wise to maintain their edge by focusing heavily on cybersecurity and IT modernization. Staying on top of trends and changing patterns will allow businesses of all sizes to stay afloat and even flourish in a competitive marketplace.
Cloud platforms such as Nutanix or AWS provide companies with the opportunities to scale based on needs without having to frequently update hardware and make big changes. Automating routine processes (for example, backups using programs like Veeam) or taking advantage of modernized cloud security solutions trims down on unnecessary operational complexity and the risk of amassing needless debt. Startups shouldn’t be focused on retrofitting old systems to suit their ever-changing needs, they should be focused on growth.
Arjun is tackling one of the biggest challenges businesses face, staying secure in a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving. By helping companies build strong, scalable IT systems from the start, he’s not just protecting them from costly breaches, he’s setting them up for long-term success. A business that’s secure and efficient is a business that can grow, attract investors, and create more jobs. And when more businesses thrive, the economy thrives. By making cybersecurity a priority, Arjun is helping American companies stay competitive, innovate with confidence, and build a stronger future in the digital age.
Spencer Hulse is the Editorial Director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for overseeing other editors and writers, day-to-day operations, and covering breaking news.
