Nobody wants to have something stolen from them. But for businesses, the desire to protect your property is compounded even more. It’s not just a personal belonging anymore, it’s become a group effort of honing and growing your business. And when something does get stolen, it can be devastating.
However, theft isn’t the only thing businesses need to worry about. Thousands, if not millions, of businesses, have to contend with various security threats. It has become part of any business owner’s agenda to protect their business from the ill-doings of malicious people, and that’s something large companies can do. They can hire security guard services, employ in-house cybersecurity personnel, and have complex security systems.
But What About Small Businesses?
For smaller businesses, security isn’t a priority. Small to medium business owners often feel like there are far better areas to spend on than business security. And this isn’t entirely false: spending resources on marketing or improving business operations can yield far better results than obsessing over security. But it remains a critical aspect of your business. Below are some reasons why small businesses should be concerned with their security.
Avoid Data Breaches. One of the most common security threats in the digital age is data breaches. It’s when hackers gain access to sensitive information that is stored in computers and databases, compromising not only your business information but also your customers. And this is why it’s important: not only are there legal ramifications for allowing a data breach to happen, but you can quickly lose the trust of your customers.
Protect Your Employees. Your employees are valuable members of your establishment, and as such, you should also be concerned about their safety. Make sure your business has the right safety features, and that your employees are also covered with insurance. Especially with major health concerns, security not just against criminals, but also natural elements needs to be considered.
Against the Elements. Earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters can still affect your business. That’s why it’s critical to protect your business holistically- these are very real risks that can jeopardize your operations so it’s important to take note of them as well.
Protecting Your Business
Security is always our responsibility. We can expect the government to do its part, but we must also be vigilant. If you’re interested in learning more about keeping your business safe, read on. Below are some ways you can bolster security and increase your defenses.
Use Smart Security Systems. Affordable but efficient smart security systems are now available. These types of devices can even send data to your device when you’re not on the premises. If your business still doesn’t have a security system like CCTVs, have one installed as soon as possible. Not only are they great tools for evidence-gathering, but also as a crime deterrent.
Always Make Sure Alarms are Working. Most office buildings already have built-in fire alarms or even motion sensors. However, it’s to your benefit to make sure that they’re working. Perhaps they are also due for a change in battery, as most sensors only have a battery lifespan of 6 months.
Keep Emergency Contact Information Ready. We can’t predict what will happen next, and all we can do is prepare for it. Another important preparation you need to make is to collect all the emergency contact information of your employees, especially those with compromised health. It’s also a good idea to have the number of the police station or nearest hospital, in case of an emergency.
Be Careful with Cybersecurity. Never neglect the value of cybersecurity. We all live in a digital world, where much of our critical data is stored in a computer. Don’t forget to ensure that your connection is safe and to use strong passwords. It’s also a good idea to have a VPN for your professional and work-related connections to increase your line of defense.
Teach Your Staff. Security is enforced, not just by you or professional security personnel, but by everyone in the business. Train your employees to be vigilant, and to always adhere to security protocols. Train them in cybersecurity awareness too, as many data breaches don’t happen through sheer hacking and penetration, but sometimes by fooling well-intentioned employees into giving up critical data.
Protecting your business is one of the most important jobs of a business owner. Once you have a business going, you need to protect everything and everyone it stands for. Investing in security is never a bad decision, and that’s why you should always look into bolstering your security.
