Small businesses and startups can prioritize cybersecurity with limited resources by adopting several cost-effective strategies:

1. Employee Training: Conduct regular cybersecurity training to educate employees on recognizing phishing emails, using strong passwords, and following best practices for data protection.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement policies requiring strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable MFA to add an extra layer of security.
3. Regular Software Updates: Ensure all software, including operating systems, applications, and antivirus programs, are kept up to date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
4. Data Backup: Regularly back up data to secure, offsite locations. This ensures data can be restored in case of ransomware attacks or data loss.
5. Firewall and Antivirus Protection: Install and maintain a reliable firewall and antivirus software to protect against malware and unauthorized access.
6. Secure Wi-Fi Networks: Use strong encryption for Wi-Fi networks and regularly change passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
7. Limit Access: Implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring employees only have access to the data and systems necessary for their roles.

By focusing on these key areas, small businesses and startups can create a robust cybersecurity foundation without significant financial investment.