In this technologically driven world, with various means of security measures evolving, fraudulent behavior is also evolving. There is growing concern over cybersecurity and physical security all around the world. According to research, the damages that can be caused globally owing to cybercrime are estimated to cost up to $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Physical security also screams for attention because of a lot of reasons. Businesses are 4 times more prone to be a victim of theft in comparison to houses. Small businesses run a loss of $25K to $33K per minute due to shoplifting. Employee thefts are also not uncommon. The list is longer than this.
With such startling facts and statistics, the need of the hour is to secure the industries through revised techniques of security management. Some of the important security tools used are video surveillance, alarm systems, and sensors, industrial wireless radios, etc. The security managers must also be trained to be vigilant and skilled to prevent such crimes from taking place.
Below are enlisted 5 tips to ensure security to your businesses:
1. Safeguard your property throughout
Criminals these days have become wittier in their operations. They will target one business and will start looking for spots from where committing a burglary can be more convenient, in advance. This often commences from the outside.
They will take a note of the locations where security cameras have been installed, gates that have locks, spots from where breaking into the building can be easier, etc. So, thoroughly inspect your property from the outside too, rather than just enforcing strong security on the inside.
Search for such vulnerable spots. You can also take assistance from a surveillance company if you need help in this regard.
2. Secure mobile phones and laptops
Laptops and mobile phones being portable, run a higher risk of getting stolen. Thus, it is crucial to safeguard them by encrypting them with a password that would be nearly impossible to be cracked by an outsider.
Also, enable an automatic locking of these devices to strengthen security. This makes your laptop’s data unreadable. Also, you can establish a wiping process if any phone gets misplaced or stolen.
3. Keep your business area well-illuminated
An adequate amount of lighting is a very crucial tip for the identification and aversion of any potential threats. The outside of your building, parking areas, entry points, etc. should be bright and well-illuminated. Light can serve as an obstruction for burglars.
In case the thief is successful in entering, the lighting will help you get a clearer picture of the thief on the surveillance cameras. The inside of the building should be well-lit too. Whether there are lights that stay switched on throughout the night, or motion sensor lights, make sure that the areas where precious items and assets are kept have good lighting.
4. Formulate an emergency plan
Irrespective of the number of employees, it’s important for you to have an emergency plan laid out in advance at all times. Make sure all your employees understand every aspect of this plan.
If you have a surveillance company hired, work out and coordinate the plan with them and keep your employees well-informed about it. Also, for being on the safe side, keep this plan documents safely somewhere, so that the employees have access to it in times of need.
5. Periodically assess and check on your security plan
A common mistake that many business owners make is executing a security plan and then leaving it untouched. Since it seems to be working well and there are no incidents reported, why look into it?
This kind of mindset makes your company more prone to crimes since you are waiting for an incident to occur for you to look into it. It’s highly recommended for you to steer clear of such an attitude and regularly assess the system in place.
Over to you…
There’s a rise of news of thefts and hacking all-round the globe. I certainly don’t want you to be a victim of such crimes. So, make sure you take all the necessary precautions, routinely monitor the working of your security system, and watch out for threats to keep your businesses safe, secure, and sound.
