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Five Ways to Increase Your Business Security

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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.

77-slide PowerPoint presentation
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework stands as a pinnacle of guidance in the realm of cybersecurity. Developed by NIST, a non-regulatory agency within the United States Department of Commerce, this framework has garnered widespread [read more]

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About Shane Avron

Shane Avron is a freelance writer, specializing in business, general management, enterprise software, and digital technologies. In addition to Flevy, Shane's articles have appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes Magazine, among other business journals.


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