Starting a new business takes a lot of effort. Congratulations on coming this far! There is a lot to do but security is an important aspect that every business owner should treat as a priority. You need to protect the assets you have worked so hard to obtain, products you have put a lot of effort in developing and infrastructure you have spent a lot to put up. Even the people who will be working for you need to feel secure at the premise and so should your clients. Here are some security measures you can put up to ensure your new small business is secure.
Physical Security
In this digital era when everyone is only concerned about the digital space, it is easy to forget about physical needs. Your business premise needs to be secure with well-built fences and strong gates. The construction material used should be sturdy. The doors should be fitted with heavy duty locks that cannot be easily picked. Grills on doors and windows may be necessary if your business is located in isolated places. Security lights should be in place and in good working conditions.
Special areas should be designated for storing valuable materials. You may keep cash and electronics in safes but these safes need to be bolted to the floor or wall. The combinations should only be known to authorized persons and never written down. In all parts of the premise, employee access should be limited so as to reduce security threats.
Documents that are generated need to be kept safe lest they land into the wrong hands. Have a reliable shredding machine handy for this. Ensure all important documents are shredded as soon as they need to be discarded. After shredding, organize for secure transfer to dumping sites.
Video Surveillance and Alarm Systems
Even if your business will be operating round the clock, you will not always have eyes everywhere at all times. This is the main purpose of video surveillance. Install CCTV cameras around the premise so you are able to keep an eye even when you are not at the premise. With video surveillance you are also able to monitor the productivity of the employees.
Surveillance cameras should be installed so they cover all parts of the business premise. As you talk to a security camera system store, consider how much space needs to be covered and how that space is structured. Opt for high-resolution cameras that give clear feeds and systems that have remote monitoring. Even better are systems that have AI technology. These are able to identify suspicious activity and raise alarm. Find a company that provides high quality surveillance systems that last a long time.
Alarms are also important to security. With alarms that detect unbilled items at the door you will be able to curb shoplifting. On the other hand, alarms that are offset by motion come in handy at night when the store is closed. To help you handle alarms set off you will need to be in touch with the law enforcers of your area. It is good to get a few contacts in advance.
Digital Security
Most of your business operations will definitely be carried out on computers be it online or offline. The importance of the digital space in business can never be overstated. With it being an integral part of your business you need to keep it secure. The bare minimums of digital security are:
• Password protection on all devices
• Installing updated antivirus software
• Installing firewalls on company devices
• Securing servers with limited entry (or using offshore servers)
If you intend to stay safe from cyberattacks you need to do more than the basics. Hiring a cybersecurity expert to help may be the best option. Having proper digital protection measures will help keep your data safe and also adhere to the required personal information protection guidelines. This is very important because failure to adhere may lead to legal action against the business.
Conclusion
You need to secure the physical and digital security of your business. Without proper security, all your efforts could go down the drain in an instant. A burglar may break in and take all your money while a cyberattack may compromise the personal data you have, putting you in a tight spot. Stay safe by having working security measures in place early on.
