Startups rightly prioritize shipping. Attackers prioritize exposed credentials and unmaintained dependencies. The intersection is unpleasant but preventable.
Non-negotiables
Role-based access with MFA on critical systems.
Secrets out of source control and rotated on compromise scenarios.
Vendor inventory — know where customer data lives.
Balancing rigor with runway
We scope controls to regulatory reality — proportionate investment, not theatrical compliance theater.