Proper cybersecurity requires several layers of protection. You need business-grade antivirus software, a firewall with active security subscriptions, antimalware software, spam filtering and multi-factor authentication on any account that support it – and that’s just for starters. Those solutions will help protect against digital threats, but what about physical security? Gaining access to your confidential information doesn’t always require a computer.
Physical security is an often overlooked, but important component in protecting your business from any chaos that could damage your operations, productivity, or even your reputation. Some physical security threats include theft, natural disasters, fires, floods, vandalism, and so on. Because it’s almost impossible to predict in advance, it’s essential that your business have protections and policies in place for your physical environment.
Here are 6 tips for improving your physical security that you can apply to your business now:
1. Make An Emergency Plan
Have an emergency plan for your business. This will help prepare your business for any threat or disaster. Your emergency plan should include the actions and steps you will need to take during an emergency. For instance, where everyone should go once they exit the building, who will make the emergency statement, and who will reach out to your IT provider or insurance provider?
2. Employee Training
It’s critical that you train your employees to practice physical security in the workplace. Your employees need to establish a security mindset and consider protecting the business with every decision they make. For example, make sure your employees know: to lock the door when exiting the office, secure any accessible or unlocked computers (including your server), and never to allow someone they don’t know to enter the office behind them without showing the proper credentials or security clearance.
3. Use Photo Identity
Adding a photo to an employee’s ID card makes them more easily recognizable and adds an additional layer of security. This ID card will help you track visitors and unwanted individuals in the building.
4. Shred Confidential Information
Don’t throw confidential documents in the garbage can. Work-related documents often include confidential information that can cause damage to your business if it falls in the wrong hands. This can be a sticky note with your computer password, a document with your banking details, or a client list. Shredding these papers into pieces ensures that no one will gain access to your sensitive information and use it for malicious purposes.
5. Set Up Surveillance
To secure your business, you should be aware of who goes in and out, and when. Consider a logbook by your entrance so that everyone who enters your building must fill in their name, the intent of their visit, and the sign in and sign out time. However, a determined person can easily get around this by not logging in or using a false name. A better solution is to have an alarm system set up so each employee has their own distinct code. You can also set up a video surveillance system to help monitor all people entering and leaving your workplace. Just make sure you identify and close any blind spots.
6. Be Prepared For Fire Emergencies
Your workplace should be prepared for fires using a fire safety plan. You should always have a fire extinguisher available, and all your employees should be trained to execute the necessary steps if a fire does occur.
When evaluating the security of your business, be sure that you consider your physical security. By following the tips above, your business can avoid accidents, theft, and reduce the likelihood of damage at your workplace. If you’d like more information on physical security, or security in general, check out our blogs and videos.