Whether your industry involves selling products or providing services to customers, there’s always a concern about business security. With either type of business, there is always risk involved with the information you obtain. It is good business security practice to implement certain safeguards before any major issue arises.
You have to make sure that your physical premises have safety precautions. In addition, you need to protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Having safety plans in place will make your employees and customers feel safe and at ease.
With that being said, here are seven business security tips to consider as your New Year’s security resolutions:
1. Implement a code of conduct
Before hiring any employees, write a Code of Conduct for your business. This should outline appropriate and acceptable behaviour on office premises. It must also clearly state the repercussions that will be applied in case an employee violates the terms stated in the Code of Conduct.
The Code of Conduct must also outline aspects like maintaining company property, safeguarding sensitive information, and so on. Communicate this Code of Conduct to every employee, especially when someone is hired. Have each employee sign a copy of the Code of Conduct so that you know they’ve read and understood its terms. Place this signed copy in the respective employee’s file. Keep this document accessible at all times.
2. Schedule regular shredding
The security program installed on the computers is not the only business security tip you should consider. Remember that documents usually contain lots of personal details such as name, address, credit card information, and so on. Much of these details are listed on paper and filed away on shelves. This can be misused if it falls into the wrong hands. To prevent any mishandling, make it a point to schedule monthly document shredding. Ensure all your employees are aware of this practice so that they can set aside necessary documents for shredding when the time comes.
3. Schedule regular audits
Another business security trend to consider is an audit. This places another layer of security on all the documents and sensitive information on your business premises. An audit enables you to check the documents and files stored by your team. This audit applies to both electronic and paper documents stored on every employee’s computer. These audits will enable you to pinpoint security areas that need to be improved. Do not wait to improve security measures. In fact, you’re increasing the risk of security breaches by waiting.
Keep in mind that audits are not meant to identify faults made by your employees. Rather they’re an excellent way to examine the security measures you currently have in place- both in the office and on the computers. Ensure you communicate your intent for conducting audits to all employees BEFORE doing one!
4. Assign computer access levels
Whether your company uses just a single computer or a vast network, it’s good business security practice to assign usernames to each employee. After designating usernames, proceed to limit access levels according to the employee’s profile. This ensures what a particular employee can and cannot access and prevents unauthorized changes from being made.
An equally important aspect of computer security is password protection. To ensure that each employee has a unique and strong password, make it a requirement that all passwords have a special character, a capital letter, and a number in its sequence. Program the system to prompt for a password change every month or 45 days. In case an employee leaves his or her desk, enable the computer system to lock up after a certain period of inactivity. This prevents unauthorized access.
5. Install office security measures
Have certain safety measures in place in the office. Don’t wait for something bad to happen before you install any business security systems.
Find an office space that is easily visible from the street. Most burglars and thieves are deterred by offices in busy areas. If you must rent an office space in a “quiet” area, place sturdy locks on all storage areas, windows and doors. The keys to each must be closely guarded and monitored. Then consider hiring a capable security company for physical protection. You may consider setting this up for 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If this seems too costly, then consider installing an audio alarm system.
6. Install adequate lighting
Ensure you have adequate lighting in both the interior and exterior areas of your office space. Keep a security light on the outside so that your office’s main door is clearly visible at night for security or law and enforcement personnel. Don’t forget to implement sufficient lighting in parking lots as well.
7. Have emergency plans
Fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, robberies, and so on can happen at any time. You must have an emergency plan in place that specifies what must be done in case of such emergencies. Ensure contact numbers of the police department, emergency services, and firefighting personnel are available in plain sight. Don’t forget to create an evacuation plan and display this in a noticeable area so that every employee can see it.
Having business security measures in place is important in keeping both your employees, customers, and any sensitive information protected from any possible mishaps.
Continuing to keep up with 2020 business security resolutions, here are 6 Commercial Security Trends to Adopt by 2020!
