How You Can Improve Business Security Today
Sometimes, it’s tempting to consider business security as a large, complicated and confusing task. The good news is that this doesn’t have to be the case. While large security systems are without a doubt complex and often require several tools working together effectively, that isn’t all that business security is about.
There are many small things that you can do to protect your company’s assets. Here are five things that you can start on today that will keep your property and your assets safe.
Control and Protect your Data
It’s important to protect business-critical data and sensitive data. This information is valuable and is often targeted by criminals. Sensitive data (including credit card numbers, financial profiles, contact information, etc.) can be used for theft and identity fraud while business data (such as customer lists, marketing plans, etc.) can be used by criminals or rival businesses to damage your company or your brand.
This data needs to be properly stored. That means both physically and virtually. All critical data should be protected by passwords and antivirus and security software on company computers needs to be kept up to date. Computers and servers should also be stored in secure locations behind locked doors or gates.
In addition, all business data should be backed up off-site. This will ensure that you will still be able to access your data if there is damage to your property or if there is an emergency and you can’t enter your location.
Install Proper Lighting
Criminals like to work in the dark. That’s why it’s so important to install proper lighting inside your property as well as outside the building. Motion-activated lights outside your property can deter criminals from striking.
Train your Staff
All staff should be trained on how to properly protect physical and digital assets. Your organization needs to have a strict security policy that outlines all security measures and details what will happen to employees who do not follow these rules. Staff also need to be trained on how to properly handle keys, passwords and other such security tools. It is important that all staff members understand how important security is and that access is only provided as necessary.
It’s also important to train your staff to recognize suspicious or dangerous situations and how to react to these situations.
Use Physical Security
Physical security gates (such as window and door gates as well as security bars and other such tools) put a barrier between criminals and your property. Smash and grab robberies are common and physical security gates make it significantly more difficult to conduct these crimes.
If you run a retail store, it’s also a good idea to store valuables that are frequently stolen by shoplifters (such as small electronics, medication, jewelry, etc.) inside locked cabinets or behind secure gates.
Place Assets Carefully
A lot of robberies are crimes of opportunity. If a criminal can see valuable merchandise or expensive computers or other electronics simply by walking by your business and looking in the window, it becomes much more likely that he or she will attempt a break-in.
While your property is closed, move valuables away from windows and place them out of sight. If possible, secure them behind gates or inside locked cabinets. This will keep your location safe and prevent it from being a target for criminals.
We have some more helpful tips to improving the security of your business. Download our helpful guide to Improving Your Security Mindset.
