Running a business is associated with a myriad of important things, including security issues. As a small business owner, you should be on the hook for not only sales, marketing, accounting, merchandising, etc. but also for both physical and online security of your small business.
Here are steps to take to improve the security of your business:
- Physical Security
- Install Wireless Security Cameras
Wireless cameras can be placed not only in places where you need them but also in spots you can’t see from the front counter.
- Install an Alarm System
The alarm will alert both you and the authorities to the situation. Many criminals won’t even try to break in if they know there is an alarm in your shop. Even if they break in, they’ll get scared.
- Use a Smartphone App to Open and Close the Doors
Consider opening and closing your office doors through a smartphone app.
- Brighten up Dark Spots
You shouldn’t have any dark spots both inside and outside so that criminals don’t have a place to hide. Don’t forget about bright lights at entrance ways.
- Use a System for Closing the Shop
Keep a log of employees who’re responsible for locking up at the end of the day. Only limited number of employees should have access to keys. Have them sign off when locking the doors. If you use an alarm system, give any employee with access a unique password.
- Lockup Laptops When Leaving
Don’t forget to lock up your business computers at the end of every business day.
- Use Reinforced Steel Doors
Avoid getting doors with glass on the sides as it can easily be broken.
- Build an Emergency Disaster Plan
Create a disaster plan based on the potential threats and emergencies relevant to your location. Talk with your employees about what they should do. Discuss different disaster scenarios.
- What About Keys?
Always number and code all your keys so that you can easily keep track of them. In case a key is lost, replace each and every lock. Get keys from employees that are leaving.
- Educate Your Employees About Potential Scams
Your employees should follow the policies and procedures you have. Train them constantly. Employees should know about social hacking methods to avoid giving up sensitive information.
- Online Security
- Work with a Secure Payment Processor
If you need to open a merchant account, turn to a reliable payment processor like emerchantbroker.com for credit card processing. EMB is voted the #1 high risk processor in the US and boasts an A+ rating with the BBB. With EMB, you can enjoy the highest level of security for online payment processing.
- Use Strong Passwords and Change Them Often
Don’t forget about using multilevel authentication that includes more than just a username and password.
- Update Your Firewall
Make sure firewalls are up to date and working well on your company computers so to avoid malicious viruses.
- Use Cloud for Your Data
Keep sensitive financial information and other data such as human resource files stored in the cloud.
- Check Privacy Policies
Make sure the security and privacy policies of companies you deal with are good.
- Avoid Strange Email Attachments
Don’t open strange emails since they are very often with viruses in them.
- Protect Your Partners
Protect your key suppliers/partners by securing your own perimeter. Make sure there is appropriate authorization/authentication in place, use a firewall and have antivirus software on every device.
- Secure Your WiFi Network
WiFi is a favorite method for hackers to access sensitive data. Ensure that your WiFi network uses the top encryption possible, as well as a long password for authentication. Stop broadcasting the network name or the Service Set Identifier (SSID).
- Encrypt Sensitive Data
If you work with any type of sensitive data, you should safeguard them by encrypting the data where feasible. Implement full disk encryption (for Windows PCs), switch your business website to secure HTTPS, and more.
- Delete Ex-Employee User Accounts
Remove ex-employee accounts including usernames and passwords.
- Use Anti-Theft Software
Use anti-theft software on each device. It’ll wipe out any data on the hard drive if your device is stolen. Such tools also exist for smartphones.
Protecting your small business is crucial to your success. Combine physical and cybersecurity efforts to provide the top security for your small business.