Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Digital Transformation Strategy (145-slide PowerPoint presentation). Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations across most industries, as the role of technology shifts from being a business enabler to a business driver. This has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thus, to remain competitive and outcompete in today's fast paced, [read more]
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In the modern age, site security for even a small business is paramount to success. The potential risks from theft and vandalism are ever-increasing, so business owners are constantly looking for ways to improve their site’s security. While there are countless security strategies you might implement, here are five key areas you should secure first.
1. Security Technology and Maintenance
One of the first steps to securing your business is to have a quality security system installed. That means CCTV cameras, motion sensors, glass-break sensors, and pick-resistant locks. While you might get a better deal on older system models, investing in the top-tier, current generation of security systems usually provides the best level of security.
In addition to these measures, installing a quality security team and implementing routine maintenance of all your security systems should be given a high priority. A good security team can consist of a few reliable security officers and installing security gates and guard shacks if your business site has multiple entrances. Routine maintenance ensures that your CCTV system and sensors are working properly.
2. Crisis Management Plan
One of the worst mistakes that business owners have made in the past is failing to establish a crisis management plan of action. Regardless of the quality of service your security system provides, your business will always be at risk of undergoing a crisis in one form or another. The likelihood of security incidents can be reduced but never eliminated.
Having a plan in place ensures that your employees and customers have the highest possible chance of avoiding dangerous situations. It is critical that your site has designated points of contact for your employees as well as evolving strategies built on regular training for how to act in various situations.
3. Restrict and Regulate Site Access
A good strategy for reducing the risk of an incident is to restrict access to your site. How you implement these restrictions will be determined by the type of business, of course. For example, a brick-and-mortar retail store relies on customers coming and going regularly, so access to the storefront can only be restricted to a certain extent without limiting earning potential.
It is a good idea to designate certain areas for employees only and prohibit access to any unauthorized individuals. That should include the family of employees and vendors, which is as much for their own protection as it is for the protection of your business.
4. Keep Security Details Private
Consider the details of your security measures just as private as your business finances and accounting. The fewer people who know the specifics of your CCTV system, sensors, or guard routine the lower the chance of having that information leaked. While quality hiring practices will help reduce the chances of vital information reaching criminals, many thieves are on the lookout for the slightest opportunities that can be revealed unintentionally.
One strategy you might consider is to hire one person to oversee all of your security measures. This security professional will then be personally responsible for all delegation and managing those who have access to secure areas and computer systems.
5. Monitor For Innocuous Risks
Not all security risks are obvious at first glance. Seasonal changes and weather conditions can impact your alarms and CCTV system and plants can grow up to block the line-of-sight from security checkpoints. Even employee parking habits can create an opening for potential intruders.
Aside from physical risks, the digital age paved the way for additional security challenges. Social media provides a great opportunity but also creates the potential for leaked information. Business computer systems are also under constant threat from cyber attacks that require up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software for protection.
In a world where potential threats abound, every business owner knows the value of quality security. The application of that knowledge is what sets the dividing line between fledgling businesses and those that soar into success. Start by focusing on these areas, and you can transform the security of any business securing both your physical site and your future sales potential.
18-page Word document
This Word Document provides a template for an IT Security & Governance Policy and is easily customisable. Areas cover are: Security, Data Back-Up, Virus Protection, Internet & Email usage, Remote & 3rd Party Network Access, User-Account Management, Procurement, Asset Management and IS Service
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Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations of all sizes across most industries. In the Digital Age today, technology creates new opportunities and fundamentally transforms businesses in all aspects—operations, business models, strategies. It not only enables the business, but also drives its growth and can be a source of Competitive Advantage.
For many industries, COVID-19 has accelerated the timeline for Digital Transformation Programs by multiple years. Digital Transformation has become a necessity. Now, to survive in the Low Touch Economy—characterized by social distancing and a minimization of in-person activities—organizations must go digital. This includes offering digital solutions for both employees (e.g. Remote Work, Virtual Teams, Enterprise Cloud, etc.) and customers (e.g. E-commerce, Social Media, Mobile Apps, etc.).
Learn about our Digital Transformation Best Practice Frameworks here.
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