Owning your own business requires you to be in charge of everything, and you work hard to keep the business running smoothly. To protect your business and all the hard work and energy you have put into it, it’s important to make sure you are using these guidelines to keep your business safe.
The last thing you need is to close down for a few days to figure out a cyber-security break-in or clean up a burglary. Even when you can’t see them, there are constant threats to the security of your business. Being prepared can be a great deterrent to those threats becoming real.
Manage Your Entrances and Locks
If you operate your business out of a commercial building, know who has access to your space. Only essential employees should have access–whether you have actual keys or an electronic entry system. Not all businesses can install a smart lock, but if you can, you should.
Although they are a financial investment, they give you complete control over who has access to your property. And, if you need to change out a lock for any reason, you can simply reset the codes without needing to purchase a new lock.
With a smart keypad for entry, you will be able to keep a record of which employees have access to your building, and which locks they open at certain times. This is all kept in a log for you to refer back to in the event of a security issue.
Install a Safe
Installing an on-site safe helps you keep important documents on hand, but also allows you to put any cash or valuable merchandise into storage overnight. Make sure that the safe is both fireproof and waterproof.
In the event that there is a fire, all surfaces will get wet, including the safe, so you need to confirm that the safe can protect your valuables from both elements. Also, purchase a safe that can be securely anchored to a floor or wall. Empty your register every night and put the cash in your safe; this lets any potential burglars know that you do not keep cash in an easily accessible spot–making you less of a target for theft.
Maintain Excellent Exterior Visibility
At the end of the day, your business still needs to have visibility throughout the evening and into the dark hours of the night. Having excellent exterior lighting is another great deterrent for potential safety threats. You need to have well-lit entrances (front and back) and a well-lit parking lot. Along with lighting, install exterior security cameras. SafeTouch security systems offer wireless Wi-Fi cameras with long-range detection of up to forty feet, even in night vision mode. With this type of technology, up to ten people can see your exterior cameras’ views, so there are more eyes on your business at all times.
Keep Your Exterior Building Clean
Consider the amount of shrubbery around your building. You want to make sure that you have a clear view of your business at all times. Having fewer bushes decreases the chances of an intruder hiding in them.
If you consistently have packages delivered to your business, make sure to discard the boxes in the appropriate bins. A pile of new boxes can indicate that you have received a new shipment of expensive merchandise signaling to burglars the most valuable day to steal your valuable inventory.
Employee Education
The greatest asset you can have to secure your business is to make sure that you hire honest employees and educate them on safety practices. They need to be given instruction as to the safety measures they need to take in your absence.
Come up with a list of employment security practices, and make sure that every employee is knowledgeable about these practices and follows them. The more these policies are followed, the greater your level of security can be for your business.
Have a Cyber Security Plan
Include cyber security into your overall security plan for your business. Consider the level of access your employees have to software systems, accounting information, and private email accounts. If you have one computer at your business, make sure that you have specific logins for each employee and a master login for yourself. Don’t leave your phone or computer open where an employee or customer could gain access to passwords, personal information, or credit card numbers.
Also, consider your social media behaviors; if you are going out of town and you own a small business, consider posting pictures of your travels once you are back in town. If someone knows you are out-of-town, that makes your business an even easier target for either a physical break-in or a cyber attack on your bank accounts or business software. Make sure that your software, emails, and accounting systems are encrypted.
Make Sure Your Security System is Built for Your Business
Install a professional security system that is monitored. SafeTouch security systems use advanced technology that understands what’s happening around your property and takes action on your behalf, proactively. The mySafeTouch app seamlessly connects the key devices in your business onto one platform to keep them working together smarter.
With a robust security system, you can monitor activity at your business such as unexpected entry after hours, doors propped open, and video recordings in case of a break-in. A SafeTouch security system keeps a historic timestamp of which users disarmed the system, so you can know exactly which employee has access to your building at any given time.
SafeTouch Security
The SafeTouch Security B2B Division lets you design a system that’s tailored to fit your specific business needs: from security and automation to energy management, to user administrations and video surveillance. You focus your energy on making your business the best it can be; we provide the small-business security solution that’s right for you. Contact us today to discuss your business’ security needs.