Modern technology has changed the way businesses have to protect themselves against theft. It is no longer enough to just protect your premises against burglary and criminal damage. You now have to ensure that your company’s computer systems are protected from external cyber attacks, too.
1. Protecting your premises
If you are working from home, a shop or an office it is important that you make sure you are protected from thieves. One of the first steps to take is to ensure there are no weak external entrances or exits. If you think your building needs more security, such as steel roller shutters or grilles, then clicking here will give you some excellent ideas. It is easy to overlook a window or door that hasn’t got the correct locks, or is not visible from the CCTV cameras. Not having the correct security could affect any claim that you put in to your insurance company.
2. Cyber attacks
An article in the Telegraph explains that in 2014, Pricewaterhouse Coopers (PwC) carried out an ‘Information Security Breaches Survey’. This found that ‘60% of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) suffered an online security breach’ which took them seven to ten days to overcome and prevented them from functioning fully. This caused the companies to lose money and also compromised potentially sensitive information.
3. Risk assessment for fires and flooding
Companies should always take into account the possibility of a disaster such as flooding or fire. The Government website titled ‘Protecting your business’s assets’, gives guidance on protecting you and your company. It covers everything from terrorist attacks to fire, flooding and more, and the advice they give could save you from losing everything. Every building should have smoke detectors as part of their insurance cover, but there are many other aids that can be put in place. The basics such as fire extinguishers are readily available, but your local fire service will willingly send out a specialist to inspect your premises.
4. Monitoring your staff
Any small business will have to understand the need for Health and Safety rules and regulations. These will not only protect you and your employees, but will make the security of your business easier to manage. One of the biggest threats to companies in recent years is the rise in employees passing on sensitive information to hackers. This information can permanently damage a business, so you should always make sure that you know who has access to passwords and private codes to computer systems.
5. Use secure or double layer passwords
If you are setting up a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) then you will soon discover that making or taking payments to other businesses or the public can become a nightmare. To ensure that there are no breaches in your security system you will have to comply with the Data Protection Act and have the correct software in place to stop hackers gaining access to personal details. This can be costly, but it is the law, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Takeaway
Business security is becoming more complex than ever, and security threats – online and offline – are putting your business into constant risks, regardless of your business’ size. Focus on your business security; always update yourself with the best practice in your industry, and adopt the most suitable security practices and tools.
If you are lost and overwhelmed, be sure to partner with security consultants that can help you secure your premise and IT systems better.