Considering that security breaches can impact your company’s reputation and trust signals, it can be argued that the security of your employees and assets is paramount to the future of your business. With this in mind, it’s important to invest in your company’s security proactively to ensure your enterprise can respond appropriately if any kind of security breach rears its head.
The right security solutions for your business will naturally depend on your enterprise’s unique security risks. For instance, digitised businesses with electronic record-keeping procedures that handle sensitive client data may require high-end digital security solutions, while a brick and mortar store may need to focus on physical security like security guards instead.
To help you figure out what you need, we’ve selected five of the most effective security measures — everything from card access systems to commercial CCTV installation. Here are the most common security investments that you can use to safeguard your enterprise from all of its identified security risks.
1. Card & Biometric Access Systems
Though it’s easy to think a lock on the front door is all that’s needed to secure your company assets, your business’ security risks will naturally grow as your company grows. If your enterprise maintains a growing employee roster, then secure access systems are likely to be a great foundational security investment that safeguards both your business and its premises.
In the digital age, key card scanners are the safer, faster versions of the lock and key. They’re harder to forge, easier to use, and allow your team to have specialised access across your company premises, depending on their work and clearance levels. And unlike traditional keys, keycard access can also be updated easily in the event that a card is stolen, lost, or under suspicion of having been duplicated.
The next step up when it comes to access control solutions are your biometric scanners – usually fingerprints – which are far harder to duplicate, almost impossible to lose, and even quicker than keycards. The downside is they’re more expensive and take a little longer to set up. Depending on your company’s sensitive assets, however, you may even like to use multi-factor locks – a combination of multiple lock types – to truly fortify your most private or valuable files and items.
2. Cybersecurity Protocols
With digital transformation trends, it’s actually more likely that your company experiences a cyber attack than any other kind of security breach. So aside from physical security, you’ll also want to know that your company’s data and digital footprint stays under control and without risk of third-party intervention. This means having programs and cybersecurity features set up like firewalls, VPNs, and antivirus software running on all company devices and computer networks.
In truth, one of the most valuable cybersecurity defences alongside investing in foundational digital security software, is training your teams on how to prevent and spot security issues. In fact, experts will often tell you that humans are the weakest link in modern cybersecurity. All it takes is one employee plugging a rogue USB into an office device for your entire network or intranet to be compromised.
So, be sure to teach your team how to spot a scam or phishing email or else they may put your data and systems at risk. The easiest way to do this is to hire a cybersecurity consultant or other industry professional to come in and audit your company’s cyber systems alongside talking to your team personally. Smaller businesses may prefer to use online resources like those provided by the ATO or the Australian Cyber Security Centre to educate themselves and their staff instead.
3. Hazard Detection Systems
The abundance of electrical systems means that most office environments today have at least a low level fire risk. This of course means that investing in smoke detectors and fire extinguishers is paramount for the security of all modern workplaces, but you should also consider installing sprinkler systems or more sophisticated fire suppression systems depending on your needs. For instance, if your workspace utilises plenty of electronic hardware like computers or specialised industry machinery, opting for a gas fire suppression system over a traditional wet sprinkler system can help protect your company’s tech assets in the event that a fire-related emergency does occur on-site.
Alongside suitable fire suppression systems, companies can also install detectors for gas leaks or carbon monoxide detectors, and install alarms to catch these hazardous issues before they grow into something serious. If you’re unsure about which systems are needed for your premises, be sure to have an auditor come by to pick up on any unseen risks early.
4. CCTV Solutions
Security cameras are one of the first things people think of when securing premises, be they residential or commercial properties. Beyond just working to keep an eye on potential issues, they can also be a useful deterrent for criminals. What’s more is you don’t have to hire your own security team to monitor the feeds as the work can be provided by external companies.
But aside from having cameras, you’ll also want systems to support your cameras. This includes storage facilities or technology — you can keep your own storage or hire cloud facilities for this, as well as additional sensors such motion sensors to alert your cameras or team to start watching.
5. Security Personnel
Having a security expert on staff to safeguard your premises or assets while the rest of your team are working can be an invaluable way to keep your workspace safe and comfortable. After all, having someone walking around reminding you that you and your goods are being safe takes a load off your mind and allows you to focus on your work. Besides this, they can point out flaws in your systems, provide useful advice, and even give training to your staff for both preventive and curative measures.
Of course, the size of your security team will depend on the size of your business — sometimes a single security guard for rush hour is enough to keep customers in check, other times a whole team is needed to keep your office building secure. If you’re not sure what your company requires, feel free to reach out to a local security company and you’ll often get a consultation for free.
Conclusion
Having an educated and mindful team can be one of the most effective forms of security, but during peak hours and busy moments security systems pick up the slack. Cameras catch unseen moments, sensors set off alarms, and programs stop viruses before they spread. So be sure to secure your company with some of these useful systems and enjoy the peace of mind they provide.
