10 Ways to Increase the Security of Your Business

No business owner wants to think about threats to their security, but everyone should. If you run a small- or medium-sized business, security breaches will affect you more, since you don’t have as many resources. Security challenges also differ across industries, requiring tailored approaches.

On average, burglaries cost more than $10,000, so you can’t afford to risk any incidents. Security effectiveness is crucial in minimizing losses and ensuring reliable protection for your business.

Physical crime isn’t the only threat to your company, either. Many cybersecurity breaches target small businesses, so you need to consider data security as well. In light of these threats, here are 10 ways you can increase the security of your business with business security systems.

What is Security and how it is important for your Business?

Security is a critical component of any business, no matter its size or the industry it operates in. From retail shops to tech startups, every business faces potential threats that can jeopardize its operations, assets, and reputation.

A comprehensive security solution goes beyond simply locking doors or installing alarms, it encompasses physical security, cybersecurity, and data protection to create a robust shield around your business.

By implementing effective security solutions, you can protect your employees, customers, and valuable assets from harm. In today’s fast-paced business environment, investing in the right security solutions is not just a precaution, it’s a necessity for safeguarding your company’s future.

The importance of security for businesses cannot be overstated. A single security breach can lead to significant financial losses, damage to your company’s reputation, and even legal consequences. For many businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, recovering from such incidents can be extremely challenging.

On the other hand, businesses that prioritize security solutions benefit from increased customer trust, smoother operations, and a stronger competitive edge.

By proactively protecting your assets, employees, and customers, you not only reduce risks but also create a safer, more reliable environment for everyone involved. Investing in the right security solutions is a key step toward ensuring your business’s long-term protection and success.

1. Use Antivirus Software

In today’s digital age, cybercrime may be a more prominent threat than things like burglaries. Cybersecurity is rarely straightforward, but if you only do one thing, you should install basic security software.

That includes both anti-malware services and firewalls. Businesses that handle credit card payments should also ensure compliance with PCI DSS standards to protect customer data and meet regulatory requirements.

Firewalls act as the first layer of defense, blocking any potential threats they detect. Anti-malware software scans your systems for things like viruses that might’ve slipped through and eliminates them, and these tools help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

2. Monitor User Access

You should have some way of telling who accessed your resources and when. This step applies both to your building and any digital assets you have. Monitoring access helps keep employees accountable and allows you to go back and see where a breach might’ve occurred.

Medium businesses often benefit from access control systems that use devices like key cards, which are cost-effective and suitable for their needs.

For your building, you could use a keycard system that logs when employees enter and leave. Assigning individual login credentials to each worker, and ensuring secure Wi-Fi connections for networked access control devices, will offer the same security for your network.

3. Provide Security Training

For both physical and data security, you must train all of your employees well. Internal actors are responsible for 26% of data breaches, and carelessness can leave your building vulnerable. If your employees don’t know proper security protocols, they could put your business at risk. Increasing employees’ knowledge of security protocols is essential for effective protection.

Hold regular meetings where you refresh everyone on your business’s security practices. That way, these protocols stay at the forefront of everyone’s minds so that they don’t forget them.

4. Install a CCTV System

If you don’t already have one, you should consider installing CCTV cameras in and around your building. Modern systems offer advanced technology such as person detection and motion detection to enhance monitoring. You don’t need to monitor security camera feeds continuously, but you can go back and check them if something happens.

These recordings can help police track down any burglars and help you speed the insurance claims process. Continuous recording and cloud-based security provide additional benefits by ensuring footage is stored securely off-site, making it accessible even if on-site equipment is compromised.

Cameras also act as a deterrent for would-be criminals. If people can see cameras around the building, they’ll be less likely to try anything for fear of getting caught. Providers like Lorex offer a range of cloud and on-premises solutions to suit different business needs.

5. Make Sure Everything Is Well-Lit

When you think of security measures, proper lighting may not immediately come to mind. As trivial as it may seem, lighting is an essential step in securing your physical property. If your building is dark, it gives criminals more places to hide, making it easier to commit any crime.

A well-lit area will deter criminals by taking away hiding spaces. If anything does occur, proper lighting will give your security cameras a clearer image, making them more helpful.

6. Keep Software Up-to-Date

Another seemingly insignificant but critical step in security is updating all of your software. Keeping your security technologies current ensures you are protected against emerging threats and can take advantage of the latest advancements in security AI, automation, and wireless security technologies.

As software companies discover new vulnerabilities, they release patches to fix them. If you don’t install these patches as soon as possible, you could put yourself at risk.

In 2017, a ransomware called WannaCry infected more than 300,000 computers using a vulnerability that Windows had already patched. If users had updated their software, they wouldn’t have been susceptible to the attack.

7. Secure Your Building’s Perimeter

The perimeter of your property, like your parking lot, could be at risk of traffic accidents. You can’t improve road safety by yourself, but you can prevent it from affecting people on your property. By installing measures like barriers and bollards, you can protect employees and visitors from out-of-control vehicles. These security measures also help prevent property damage to your building.

Collisions between vehicles and buildings cause 400 injuries a year, not to mention the costs of repairs. A collision barrier like a series of bollards can stop vehicles before they run into your building, and more importantly, the people in it.

8. Destroy Old, Sensitive Documents

Depending on the nature of your company, you could be working with some sensitive information. Things like customer or employee information could be harmful if leaked, so take care of it. Once done with a document or piece of information, destroy it so that it can’t fall into the wrong hands.

You can use a paper shredder to dispose of any physical records. For digital files, you can use a secure erase tool instead of the “delete” option.

9. Practice Safe Password Management

Make sure that you and your employees use strong, varied passwords for all your accounts. Passwords provide easy access into a system, so you want to keep those secure. Unfortunately, 65% of users reuse passwords across multiple sites.

Stress the importance of safe password management to your employees to avoid this vulnerability. You may even consider using a password manager to help workers create and keep track of passwords.

10. Test Your Security Systems

After you’ve installed a security system you’re confident in, make sure you test it. Be sure to test alarm systems regularly and confirm that your service provider offers reliable support and monitoring service. For cybersecurity systems, you can run penetration testing to see how it holds up against simulated threats.

For your physical security, you can run drills to see how everyone remembers what to do. Professional installation is also beneficial, as it ensures your security systems are set up correctly and tailored to your office environment.

It’s worth revisiting your security protocols now and then, too. Your needs and resources may change, and if they do, you should update your security to match them.

The best business security solutions are highly customizable to your unique needs, offering smart security features such as smart thermostats and scalable options to help your business grow as your business grows.

Modern business security solutions can be managed through a one stop shop platform, making it easy to adapt your system for different office setups and requirements.

Security Assessment

A security assessment is an essential first step in strengthening your business’s defenses. This thorough evaluation examines your current security posture, identifying any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could be exploited by potential threats.

A comprehensive security assessment should cover all aspects of your business, including physical security measures, cybersecurity protocols, and data protection practices. By regularly conducting security assessments, businesses can stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure that their protection strategies remain effective.

This proactive approach helps safeguard your assets, employees, and customers, giving you the confidence that your business is well-protected against both internal and external risks.

Customized Security Solutions

No two businesses are exactly alike, and neither are their security needs. That’s why customized security solutions are so valuable, they are designed to address the unique requirements of your business.

Whether you need advanced security cameras for continuous monitoring, access control systems to manage who enters your premises, or intrusion detection systems to alert you to suspicious activity, customized security solutions can be tailored to fit your specific operations.

By choosing security products and services that align with your business’s needs, you can maximize protection for your assets, employees, and customers. Customized security solutions not only enhance safety but can also streamline operations and reduce unnecessary costs, making them a smart investment for any business.

Professional Monitoring

Professional monitoring is a must-have feature for any modern security solution. With professional monitoring, your security systems, including video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection—are watched over by trained security experts around the clock.

These professionals are equipped to respond quickly to any alerts, whether that means contacting emergency services, initiating police response, or providing immediate support.

This level of monitoring ensures that potential threats are detected and addressed before they can escalate, giving business owners peace of mind that their security needs are being met 24/7.

By investing in professional monitoring, businesses can rely on expert oversight to keep their operations, employees, and assets protected at all times.

Security Should Be a Priority for Any Business

No matter what size or type of company you run, you need to take security seriously. There are too many risks, both digital and physical, to ignore in today’s business world. Follow these 10 steps and take security into your hands today.

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