Whether you’re expanding a running business or starting a new one from scratch, the chances are it is going to take a lot more than just strong alphanumeric passwords to protect your business. Unfortunately, entrepreneurs and business leaders already have a lot on their plate, so they tend to overlook certain aspects of the workplace in pursuit of the larger goal. Sometimes, this can include neglecting certain areas of security that are essential for the modern workplace. This blog explores them in detail.
Why is Business Security Important?
The subject of business security is fairly broad, but for example, let’s focus on one of the more pressing aspects that concern businesses of all types and sizes – cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is needed because of the existence of cyberattacks and hackers, which have been around as long as the internet has. In fact, modern internet services like Spectrum bundle deals come equipped with antivirus software and malware protection.
Why is cybersecurity important? According to this report by Finances Online, the global losses to businesses, individuals, and other organizations from cybercrime will amount to around $6 trillion. This, in turn, is expected to trigger $300 billion worth of spending in cybersecurity to filter out the damages. This is one crucial aspect of business security that is particularly neglected by small businesses, even though a significant number of attacks target small businesses. So what can you do about it? You can start by paying attention to the following security measures:
- Training Your Team
- Physcial Surveillance
- Background Checks When Hiring
- Disposing of Material Correctly
- Security for a From-Home Business
Let’s explore these in more detail below.
Training Your Team
Your business security is only as strong as its weakest link, which in most cases is the human factor. This does not necessarily mean just your employees. Sometimes employers need a crash course in understanding modern digital security and how it works too. But whomever the target, the fact remains that regular training and workshops on digital security and best practices are the best way to educate the people in your business.
However, don’t think a semi-annual or annual digital workshop is going to cut it. Technology evolves fast and new threats emerge very frequently. To that end, you should be regularly reinforcing the security measures learned during the workshop.
Physcial Surveillance
While most cyberattacks are digital, sometimes security breaches can be physical in nature as well. There have been instances where unknown people have walked into a firm dressed as a janitor, a repairman, or even an intern. This does not just happen in Hollywood. Not having enough physical surveillance in the right areas can often be an invitation for an in-the-flesh security breach. That is why it is important to have physical surveillance like HD security cameras, motion sensors, and alarms on your business premises. Even the loss of a single computer, hard drive, or business file could be disastrous for your firm.
Background Checks When Hiring
Of course, not all threats come from the outside. Part of effective business security is doing thorough background checks on your new hires. This is especially important when you’re hiring someone to handle sensitive tasks and information. Yes, qualifications do matter. But equally important is character. Here are a few things you should check about your new employees in addition to their academic qualifications:
- Past work experience.
- Professional skills.
- Recommendations.
- Personal security measures.
- Attitude and behavior background check with previous employers.
- Regular check-ins on behavior after hiring.
Disposing of Material Correctly
When you’re upgrading or revamping your business, and need to get rid of old computers, hard drives, and smartphones, what do you do? You discard them in most cases after a cursory wipe. But you’d be surprised as to how much information still remains on a business hard drive after you have discarded it. There are people ready and waiting to get their hands on discarded flash drives and computers to access the data stored on them. If your business is not in the habit of properly disposing of material correctly, you could be putting yourself at risk. Getting rid of them physically should only follow after they have been wiped clean of all data.
Security for a From-Home Business
You might think that just because you run your business from home, you don’t register on a cyber criminal’s radar. But the fact of the matter is that you are actually more at risk on a residential Wi-Fi network than you are in the office. You likely don’t have the proper security tools that come with a business setup. Anyone who can access the network will be potentially able to access your business information as well. The risks are much lower over an office internet connection.
