Businesses are a common target for criminals. By stepping up security in your office, you can reduce the risk of being burgled or hacked. Below are 5 security upgrades worth making if you’re looking for ways to improve your office security.
Access control systems
A traditional lock and key can be a strong form of security, but it has its weaknesses. Such locks can be picked, or keys can fall into the wrong hands or be copied. Digital locks that are scanned using a keycard or app on someone’s phone can solve some of these problems. You are able to activate and deactivate cards/app users to control who has entry, plus you can digitally track who is using their card/app to enter and at what time. Other forms of access control like intercoms, number plate recognition, coded entry and biometric locks can also be worth exploring. Look out for locksmiths that are qualified to install these forms of access control.
Surveillance cameras
Surveillance cameras can be installed inside or outside your office. They allow you to constantly monitor your premises in order to record visual evidence of any crimes committed. Of course, just having them installed can be a deterrent. Footage can be monitored and stored by a third party company, or you can have access to all footage on an app (which could include being able to watch cameras live and access recordings for a certain amount of days). It’s imperative that you notify your staff before installing cameras. You also need to think carefully about where you put cameras in order to cover the most vulnerable angles and capture the clearest views.
Visitor management protocol
You need to be sure that visitors such as job applicants, technicians, suppliers and cleaners aren’t a threat. By introducing visitor management protocol, you can stop visitors from being a threat. This could include confirming visitors’ identities by asking for ID, issuing a lanyard to show they have permission, having a staff member escort them around the premises or not allowing them access to certain areas. It is up to you as to what you think are the most secure and practical approaches.
Two factor authentication
When it comes to accessing private accounts and certain data on computers, a password has always traditionally been the main form of authorisation. However, because a password can fall into the wrong hands, some businesses have started introducing two factor authentication. This typically involves entering a password and then providing a second form of authentication – which could involve sending a code to a user’s phone or asking for a biometric password (such as a fingerprint or facial recognition). This makes sensitive data much more difficult to hack into.
Network monitoring
Network monitoring is a service provided by some cybersecurity companies that can further help ward off hackers. It involves monitoring your network to see exactly which devices are connected and to detect any unusual traffic. Network monitoring can also have other advantages such as identifying and diagnosing connection issues. In-house IT employees may be able to monitor your network, but it is often cheaper and easier to outsource this role (just make sure to use a trusted cybersecurity company).