When it comes to running a small business, you’ll find plenty of advice regarding performance, customer care, and marketing but what about the security of your business? It’s a subject that’s often overlooked and even misunderstood. Keeping your business safe and secure from theft, malicious behavior and hacking is important. With so many businesses operating online the threats are greater today than ever before, and it pays to keep yourself informed. If you haven’t given security much thought before this year is the time to change. The consequences of physical, internal or external attacks can be significant so you need to do everything you can to keep your business safe and secure.
- Entry Points and Security Doors
All security points of entry must be locked, even when your business is open. Windows are no exception to this rule and should be secured from the inside when your business is closed. Deadbolts are a good idea on all doors that give access to your building. An access control system will make your property even more secure. Even if you run your business from home, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t employ such security measures. It could even make a difference to the cost of your home insurance. Take a look at these discounts if you want to know more.
- Install Security Cameras
Security cameras allow you to monitor who is entering your building at all times. If you have them installed on both the inside and the outside of your building, the video footage could be very useful if a crime is committed and also deter any criminals. Place the cameras at key locations such as entry points, loading docks, car parks, garages, storage rooms or any restricted areas. Display a sign in a prominent position that states you have security cameras in place.
- Protect Valuables
If your business takes payments in cash, make sure you make regular bank deposits. You can mitigate the risk by keeping minimal amounts of cash in the building. At the end of the working day ensure all valuable items are securely locked away and out of sight. Keeping the blinds closed will also act as a deterrent. Read the terms and conditions of your business insurance policies to check what items are covered and how the claims process works. A record should be kept of all expensive equipment on the premises, and this document should be kept in a safe and secure place.
- Backup Your Data
You’ll be storing a wide range of data, regardless of the type of business you run. There will be customer information, employees records, and important financial records. Imagine what would happen if you come in one morning and it’s all disappeared. If the data was to be hacked by malware, the consequences would also be serious. To reduce the chances of this happening, you should be backing up your data on a regular basis. A good rule of thumb to follow is the 3-2-1 backup rule. Three copies of the data should be maintained, stored on two different types of media, and at least one copy stored off-site.
- Keep Devices Safe
If a company device is lost or stolen, the consequences could be very serious. Remind your employees to always keep a close eye on their devices, especially if they contain important and sensitive company information. Any lost or stolen devices should be reported immediately.
- Secure Your Computers
If you don’t secure your computers, you might just as well open your doors and let everyone in. It’s vital you shield your business from malware and keep the cybercriminals out. The firewall that’s usually a feature of your Wi-Fi router must be turned on at all times as this is the first line of defense. Next requirement is top of the range security software that includes protection against identity theft, risky websites, and hacker attacks.
- Introduce Best Practices and Guidelines
Employees need to be aware of your security requirements, and the best way to do this is write a policy. Some of the things you need to include in this policy are the need for strong passwords, guidelines as to what applications can be downloaded on a company computer and which are prohibited and what happens if the policy is not followed. Clear details on the proper usage of a company-issued computer is vital, together with advice on opening internal and external communications. Have a person in the company that is a point of reference for any employees with a question about the policy or computer security in general.
- Smart Password Protection
Cyber-attacks often happen because the passwords people use are far too simple. Dates of birth, basic dictionary words, popular choices such as 123456 or password might be OK for using at home, but in a business setting, they aren’t secure enough. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long, a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Employees should also be encouraged to change their passwords at regular intervals.
- Introduce Measures for BYOD
An increasing number of businesses are encouraging employees to bring their own devices to work. This practice does, however, raise a number of risks. If you want to reduce these risks, there are a number of things you can do. Developing a plan means you’ve got a safety net against any legal repercussions and mobile system costs. Your plan should be comprehensive, clear and customizable. It should contain guidelines relating to data deletion, location tracking, and internet monitoring issues.
- Perform Background Checks
When you’ve adopted all these measures, it’s time to look inwards. It’s all too easy to get caught up securing your business against outside intrusions and forget about what might be happening right in front of you. One of the biggest threats to your business could be your employees. When it comes to selecting employees, you have to be extra vigilant. Checking their backgrounds is a good way of finding out what kind of person they are. Current employees also need to be monitored. Look for changes in character or performance as these may indicate something’s not right.
