By Ahmad Hamidi
A risk to your business can come in many forms. It can be a cyber attack which can cost you valuable data. A slip in security can expose your premises to a burglar. Then, the risk of fire breakouts or workplace injuries can’t be denied.
Sadly, not all small businesses, especially those are new, take these risks seriously or are even aware of them at all. They might unintentionally make some mistakes that can make their business vulnerable. For example, they have weak passwords or are working with an inexperienced security guard company. With the right guidance, support and practices, you can avoid such security mistakes and consolidate your business security to keep the potential threats at a bay.
Therefore, make sure you are not making the business security mistakes like the ones outlined below.
1. Not Taking Cyber Security Seriously
Do you think your business is immune from cyber attacks like hacking or data breaching?
Here is a shocking fact — 30,000 websites are hacked a day while 62 data incidents take place every seconds. Top of that, 80% of victims don’t realize that they have been attacked.
From a weak password, to accidental deletion, to an insider threat, there are many things that can make your data prone to hacking, phishing, malware injection, virus, etc.
Remember, business data includes critical information related to finance, assets and employees. Losing data won’t only impact your business operations, but also lead to legal troubles and bad reputation. Therefore, having a solid data security policy in place is essential for all businesses. Here are some points to consider in your data security policy:
- Use strong passwords (mix of numbers, alphabets, and characters)
- Consider taking frequent data backups
- Use quality antivirus protection
- Create a strong data policy
- Change the passwords every time the employee leaves your company
- Educate your employees about cybersecurity
2. Not Hiring the Right Security Company
Do you choose a security guard company randomly? You are not alone as most small businesses do that. But a security guard is more than a person in uniform and a baton in hand. They are the one who knows what to do in a particular situation of emergency. Therefore, you should choose the right security company for your needs as there are various benefits of hiring a professional security guard for your business. And these basic tips will help you:
- Check their background to determine their service quality
- Make sure they are licensed and bonded
- The company should have general liability insurance
- How long they can provide coverage for a day? Do they offer 24/7 support?
- Are they experienced in serving your business type?
- Do they have trained security guards?
3. Not Identifying Workplace Hazards
From a slippery floor, bare electric wire to malfunctioning machines, there may be many risks lurking at your workplace. According to the National Safety Council, every 7 seconds, a worker is injured on the job. Slips, collision, trips, and falls account for 25% of workplace injuries. This is why workplace safety should be your topmost priority. It not only ensures the safety of the workplace but also minimizes the risk of injuries. While each industry will have their own workplace hazards, here are some basic security measurements to consider:
- Make sure the lightings over the stairwell are working
- Emergency exit should be available
- Mount a warning sign for potential risks like wet floors, malfunctioning lifts and moving machinery
- Provide safety gears to your employees
4. Not Placing the CCTV Strategically
While security systems like CCTV and alarms support your business security, if they aren’t installed properly, or they don’t serve a purpose, you are not protected. For example, CCTV camera should be installed on the areas that are prone to the incidents and other secure parts like vaults and computer server rooms. They should be placed high enough and discreetly enough to be hidden to the people and away from the reach of potential vandal or burglar.
It is better if you set them to notify your remote monitoring service when an incident or breach is detected to assess the situation. Besides, make sure to get checked them by a professional every year to ensure their functionality.
5. Not Making ID Requirements Necessary
Enforcing ID requirement is important to restrict the entry of non-authorized persons to your critical business areas like a server room. It also minimizes the risk of thefts and burglary. Today’s ID cards contain a magnetic strip imprinted with a passcode so that a company can keep track of their employee’s in and out time as well as facility and equipment usage.
The Bottom Line
Making your business secure from all threats is important to protect your people, data, finances and assets. Apart from avoiding these security mistakes, make sure to educate your employees about the risks and how to deal with them. They should know who to report in an emergency or when they spot a malicious activity. Also, create a strong protocol for digital security, physical security and emergency respond.
