Security is the number one factor you should consider as a business owner. Crime is a reality, and it can bring your business down when it happens. You want to be on guard and vigilant about your commercial premises, employees, and office security.
Customer experience is crucial to keep your customers happy. Nowadays, people are hesitant to share their data with companies who are not serious about keeping their customer data secured.
Nowadays, cyber threats have become so rampant that sports organizations and sports team websites are getting hacked.
There are many things you have to do as a business owner to keep your enterprise safe and secure from criminals and cyber attacks. You should not overlook security when developing a strategic plan to grow your business.
This article provides a checklist of measures you should enforce to beef up security in your company without compromising customer experience.
1. Upgrade to Access Control System
You can upgrade to a keyless entry system for your commercial premise to reduce the number of keys available and make it easy to track entry into your office. It is much easier to change user permission directly with the access control system.
The new employees can only access the office using a biometric radar or proximity, and those leaving the premises have their entry permissions cancelled. This ensures you only have those authorized to access the building doing so.
To verify user identities, a biometric access control system uses facial recognition and fingerprints. The system is more convenient for employees who are not good at keeping a set of keys. It provides an excellent level of security since it is almost impossible to fabricate a biometric system.
2. Give cyber security a top priority
It is crucial to consider the digital aspects of your business because 71% of cyber attacks are directed to small businesses. You can always do the following to minimize chances of cyber attack in your small business:
- Update all your company devices with the latest antivirus and firewall protection.
- Opt for IT risk assessment and audit services to analyze potential threats and vulnerabilities.
- Teach your employees how to set strong passwords for their work devices and accounts.
- Use password managers which use several encryption algorithms to keep your information secured.
- Monitor your incoming traffic and secure your Wi-Fi to spot any intruders on the network.
- Instead of leaving portable laptops on the desk, you should lock them somewhere in a safe.
- Give cyber security assessment a priority. You can hire cyber security consulting services to keep your business data safe.
- Enforce data encryption for transmissions and storage of all confidential information.
- Delete all ex-employee accounts from your business information systems.
- Limit the number of an employee with admin access to your servers.
- Opt for a cloud CRM service which offers high security for web-based information storage systems.
- Have a real-time backup of your information just in case something happens and you lose all data.
3. Hire commercial security services
Another way of keeping your business premises safe is having someone to watch it. You should hire security patrol staff to monitor and protect your commercial property on holidays, weekends, and regular business hours.
Security patrol staff will be responsible for spotting any signs of a security breach in your business when your employees are away or during office hours. They can also provide GPS tracking and real-time reports for your property on request.
4. Install Security Cameras
When you add security cameras to your business premises, you can see who is accessing the building at any time. The camera’s video feed can provide evidence of a crime when installed on the interior and exterior of your structure.
You can place hidden cameras at entry points to the building, loading docks, parking, storage facilities, and garage. Post some signs on the wall that the building is under 24 hours surveillance.
Note that installing security cameras in your building does not stop crime from happening. It only records all intruder activities. Install cameras that provide HD video footage from a distance. This way, you can protect your property from burglars.
5. Educate your employees
If you want to upgrade the security of your business premise, you have to know what you want to protect first, then educate your staff on all security measures.
You should develop security guidelines and keep all your employees posted on data security and privacy tips. This data security guide might come in handy. Ensure all your employees are up to date with the latest threats. Also, inform them what they should do in case of an attack.
6. Add a security system
A complete security system for a commercial building may be expensive for a small business. However, when you install a security system, you protect your business from theft and vandalism when closed.
The cost of installing security systems may be pretty intimidating but worth it after all. It helps you reduce insurance costs for your business.
Other upgrades you need in your business to boost security include:
- Lighting: Most burglars usually target businesses that are not well lit because it conceals their activities. That means you should ensure the exterior of your building is well illuminated when the business is closed. Install high-quality motion-sensing lights on the exterior to keep the burglar away.
- Alarm system: When an alarm system protects your business, burglars will always think twice before breaking in. Alarms systems are normally designed to create a loud sound when unauthorized individuals enter your business premises.
- Video surveillance: Having a 24/7 video surveillance system installed in your business premise can help minimize crime in your business. With a video surveillance system, you will know precisely what is happening in your business round the clock.
- Cash safe: Keeping cash in your business safe can help a lot. If your business conducts a lot of cash transactions daily, cash safe is a significant investment. It can help to lower the risk of theft by offering a secure place to store money and other valuables in your business.
Final Thoughts
It is vital to maintain a secure environment when running a business. When you decide to upgrade your security in the business, it is crucial to factor in customer experience.
The tips shared in this article are some of the best you can opt for to boost security. Always remain proactive in security instead of relying on insurance companies.