There are many aspects of running a business that you might not have considered before launching your startup. An example is security, which involves everything from protecting your online presence to keeping your physical brick-and-mortar store safe. Keeping your new business secure can seem overwhelming, but, by taking it one step at a time, you can create a thorough security plan.
Start By Protecting the Exterior
When you own a brick-and-mortar business, there are several advantages to updating or improving the exterior property. A more attractive appearance with beautiful landscaping and rejuvenated architecture will be more appealing to consumers. They will be more interested in visiting your store if the outside property looks well maintained. Criminals seeking to commit acts of theft, vandalism, or assault will be less likely to loiter around if the grass, shrubbery, and trees are kept trimmed. Exterior lighting is also important in protecting your business. If the outside of your business is illuminated, an after-hours break-in is far less likely. You should also consider installing a fence with an electric entrance gate. This limits access to your property, and the gate can be turned off when your business is closed for the day.
Provide Ongoing Training For Employees
As any new employee is onboarded, a part of their training process will involve teaching them how to use the software applications your business uses. In providing this training, you should also include awareness of hacking trends, phishing practices, and other cybersecurity issues. As these types of online criminal activity change, you must also evolve how you act to prevent breaches. Be sure all of your employees receive training on these updated measures. If you keep your employees educated and informed, they won’t be as likely to make a mistake that could compromise your business’ security.
Create Secure Access Points For Sensitive Areas
Security for your business should involve closing off private areas from public access. A security breach into sensitive areas of your business isn’t as likely to occur if you keep the doors to those areas locked. The best way to manage access to these areas is by setting up a card access terminal at each door. Employees who have the authorization to access those areas will swipe their cards to unlock those doors. In implementing this type of system, be sure to emphasize to your staff that piggybacking, or letting another employee come through the door with them, is forbidden. You must also be diligent in revoking an employee’s access when they no longer work for your organization.
Make Use of Security Technology
One of the first security measures most new business owners should implement is to install a security camera system. While this type of system is effective in identifying security and safety issues, it should be monitored regularly. Some systems even allow you to check your camera from any of your devices at any time. You can pay a subscription service to a third-party security company, or you can hire your own security personnel to monitor the system on-site. Most business owners use both methods for enhanced security. You can supplement this type of security system by installing motion sensors and lights that will spotlight any suspicious activity on the premises.
Don’t Forget to Protect Your Data
Your business’ online activity must also be protected against cyber threats. Since you must maintain a website and social media presence for marketing purposes, you’ll want to ensure your business’ online interactions are secure. Any employees or customers who access your site should be prompted to use usernames and passwords to gain access. You may want to implement a secondary security measure, such as answering a security question or identifying an avatar. These steps will ensure the people using your site really are authorized to do so. For your employees, you should also require them to conduct all of their online activity through a VPN (a virtual private network). The VPN disguises the source of the transmission and encrypts the data that’s being sent. Data breaches are more difficult when the data is disguised in this manner.
Conclusion
It’s also important to keep an eye on how new technology and social changes will affect your business’ security. As time goes on, you may have to invest in new security equipment or change the way you conduct business with your customers. Being alert to the need for change will help you stay a step ahead in keeping your business safe.
