How To Improve Business Security

If you own a small company, it’s essential to have robust security practices to keep the property safe physically and digitally. All you need to do is follow some of our helpful tips, and you’re on the way to a more secure business.

Tighten Access

You can significantly reduce the chances of data and equipment loss by making it more difficult to access the property. Some ways you can tighten access are:

• Give out as few keys as possible to workers and keep track of who has them. If the business uses access cards, limit access to sensitive areas to the most necessary employees.
• Keep track of the keys and keycards you give out to areas that contain expensive equipment or sensitive data.
• Put in an access control system that reduces access to the most sensitive areas.
• Ensure that all keys are returned when a worker leaves the organization.
• If any keys are lost, change the locks. If keycards are lost, take the time to deactivate them.

Focus on Cybersecurity

If you own a small business, you might think there is little risk of a cyberattack. However, it’s estimated that 70% of cyberattacks hit small companies. So, it’s vital to consider your company’s cybersecurity.

Some companies handle their own cybersecurity needs, but it often is a wise investment to hire a skilled IT consultant to safeguard your data and systems.

There are many aspects to consider to prevent hackers from accessing your systems. But your IT team should review these items:

• Secure the company’s Wi-Fi network and watch site and network traffic to pinpoint any nefarious actors.
• Educate workers about establishing strong passwords. Mandate that they use complex and challenging passwords for their company devices and work accounts.
• You may consider requiring employees only to use company-vetted electronic devices to access company systems. That way, you know the devices they’re using have the same robust security features.
• Check that your company devices have the latest software upgrades, including antivirus safeguards.
• Reduce the number of workers that have administrative access.
• Back up company data daily and have it stored offsite, either physically or in the cloud.

Use CCTV Cameras

CCTV has been shown to discourage burglars. So putting in a CCTV system will reduce the odds of burglars targeting your company. The more likely they are to be caught in their misdeed on camera, the less likely they will try it.

Having cameras on the building also can lower your insurance premiums because there is a lower chance of burglaries.

Make Uniform Remote Work Rules

Many office workers work remotely in the COVID era. Therefore, it’s critical to have remote work rules for using online tools and websites and installing new software on company devices and computers.

Experts recommend requiring workers to have a power-on password for their remote device, as well as local data encryption and biometrics.

Next, don’t allow nonwork-related apps and sites to be used on company devices as much as you can.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

It’s estimated that 80% of data breaches are due to stolen passwords or weak credentials. Unfortunately, many employees reuse their passwords. And you might be shocked, but some folks still use ‘password12345.’

Weak credentials make company systems vulnerable to cyberattacks where the criminal tries millions of possible passwords to gain access.

Your business can avoid this problem by instituting multi-factor authentication. This provides another step of security beyond a mere password. The MFA used most often is two-factor. This system mandates the user provide something beyond a username and password.

Some companies require workers to use a smartphone app or token and a password to access company systems.

Inspect The Property

It’s fantastic to have cameras and a robust cybersecurity policy. But it’s still important to walk the property often with security in mind.

All it takes is a poorly-maintained fence or a broken burglar alarm to cause a severe security issue.

So, walk the property regularly and look for signs of weakness or damage that criminals can use to gain access.

If you don’t have time to do it yourself, consider hiring a private security company to do it for you.

Encrypt Data

Most digital systems involve some type of sensitive company data. For example, there could be sensitive information about clients, employees, or business financials.

That’s the reason you need to take as many measures as possible to make sure company data is protected. Unfortunately, it’s not enough to use firewalls around your data; even the most robust and advanced firewalls can be breached.

That’s where data encryption comes in. Your IT team should prioritize encrypting all company data to ensure it’s protected if your firewall is breached. Unfortunately, there are too many examples in the news of breached firewalls leading to a data disaster.

Educate Employees

It’s also essential to regularly educate workers about cybersecurity. Remember that about 90% of data breaches are due to human error. That’s why it’s so vital to inform workers about cybersecurity constantly.

To avoid cybersecurity threats, you should have regular training sessions with employees about best email and password practices. All it takes is one mistake by an employee, such as opening a malicious email that launches a ransomware attack, to cause thousands of dollars in damage and time loss.

Make sure that all employees are active participants in the training, too. And keep in mind that this training is never ‘done.’ New threats appear regularly, and your training will need to be updated and repeated to reflect that reality.

No business owner should take their business’s physical or data security lightly. One oversight can cost your bottom line dearly. But the good news is there are many things you can do right now to enhance how you safeguard your company.

While some companies handle their physical and data security themselves, it may be wise to consider outsourcing these tasks to dedicated third parties. These vendors are dedicated to security, and it may be more cost-effective to outsource the jobs than pay employees to do them.