Business Security Basics: What You Must Know

 

In this day and age, it’s sad but its true that no company can afford to overlook its business security. Even companies with relatively small premises would be foolish to think their small size means security is not a priority. Security should be on every business owners ‘to-do-list’. Now is always the right time to safeguard your business and minimize crime risk from opportunists, organized crime and even internal staff. If business security is a new concept for you or you are not sure where to begin, then let me point you in the right direction. Here are five security basics to remember when implementing security system for your business:

 

1. Vigilance is Key
Be mindful of what’s happening on your premises and who is coming in and out. Ongoing vigilance is crucial for business security, but there are usually key times when added consciousness is necessary such as opening and closing times and peak periods. Providing training for employees is also highly advisable. Help them to know the tell tail signs of suspicious behavior within your premises.

 

2. Get Help From a Security Company
Some security issues might be possible to D.I.Y. However, the impact of professional help should never be underestimated. Experts in the field simply cover angles you might not think of, and there are other practical realities as well. For example, having a home made video monitoring system on your phone may alert you to a security threat (if you are looking at it at the right time), but once alerted what do you do? Security companies can provide you not only with 24/7 surveillance, but also with a contingency plan. They will immediately set in motion the necessary actions to stop security breaches within moments of them happening. The peace of mind alone this provides is priceless.

 

3. Floor plan and lighting
Premises can be secured by more than just bolts and keys. A major factor in crime prevention is lighting and furniture/product placement. Main windows, all entrances and exits should be well lit and not obstructed by furniture or product displays. The bottom line is that keeping your premises visible reduces potential crime.

 

4. Data Security
It is not only physical products and premises that need protecting from security threats. Your data also needs securing not only to protect staff and customers, but also your reputation as a company worthy of trust. Furthermore, securing data properly helps your business avoid possible fines due to legal liability. Again it is highly advisable to speak to a professional about how to best protect your data. Nowadays multiple options exist beyond basic firewalls. Logging, role based access, encryption and partitioning are additional data security options.

 

5. Create Security Policies
In all cases, have a plan in place not only to prevent security risks, but also to know what to do in the event of one actually happening. It’s worth training everyone on your staff list what to do in such cases. If you have multiple premises make sure communication lines are open about security. If staff transfer from one location to another they need the correct information. Business wide procedures are as important for security as they are for sales or HR. What course of action should be taken in the event of different security breaks and who is the first person to call? To avoid panic or the escalation of an emergency all staff members should know the policy on business security solutions.

 

 

If you would like some expert advice on how to secure your business call Chartercom today on 1300 844 844 or visit us at chartercomsecurity.com.au. You’ll be joining companies like Priceline, Bupa, Country Road, iSelect and Nike who have selected Chartercom for their business security needs.