If you are new in business or haven’t had the time to assess
your security risks yet, it’s never too soon to start. Businesses are targeted
for many reasons, partly it is because thieves know premises will be empty at
certain times and also it’s because they think there will be more valuable
stock and cash on the premises than in a private home.
Address the areas outlined below to keep your staff and all
aspects of your business safe.
Risk Assessment
The first step is to carry out a risk assessment to
establish where there may be vulnerabilities. This shouldn't just include your
premises but also: staff safety; vehicles vulnerabilities; data security; and
any other areas where you could be targeted.
Physical Security
It’s vital to beef up security at your building, you many
need to fit window locks; strengthen doors or fit shutters; set up security lighting;
install CCTV; and fit an alarm. While this may seem costly it is far better
than having to replace stolen items, or deal with all the emotional upset which
accompanies a break-in.
Some business owners, unless they own a shop with cash or a
great deal of stock on the premises, can feel this may not apply to them.
However, it’s also important to remember service based businesses can attract
unwanted attention, for example doctors or dental practices can be targeted
because thieves want to gain access to drugs or expensive equipment.
Protect Staff
Depending on the type of business you run you should train
your staff in the inherent risks. It is always important to remind them it is
better to give up property or valuables, rather than be hurt.
Put specific procedures in place for key holders, who open
and close premises, in case they are targeted at that time. The HSE has
established guidelines for lone workers to keep
them as safe as possible.
Equipment and Stock
Knowing what you have in terms of equipment and stock is the
first step to protecting it. Run regular stock-takes so you can quickly assess
if anything has gone missing. Sadly you may also need to guard against theft by
staff so always carry out sufficient background checks.
Carry out regular audits of equipment and make sure it is
tagged and all the serial numbers are recorded. This information will be
required by the police in the event of a break-in and it could help you to have
your stock returned.
Vehicle Security
Also don’t forget security is not just about your business
premises. If you have vehicles make sure your employees know to secure them at
all times, even when making deliveries, and they leave nothing valuable in
them. This is particularly important when it comes to electronic items, such as
computers and mobiles, as they may well hold sensitive company information, and
they won’t be secure even if locked in the boot.
Paper Waste
When it comes to company data one way it can be accessed is
if documents are not disposed of properly. All paper which contains any
sensitive data should be shredded and disposed of securely.
Data Security
Sensitive data is also at risk electronically and there is
no limit to the amount of people who will try to steal financial and personal
information. To deter hackers make sure your network is protected by a firewall
and install anti- virus software on all computers to prevent malware. Update this
software automatically and run regular updates on browsers and operating
systems to keep them secure.
Your staff should also be made aware they need to choose
complex passwords and change them regularly. If you have a Wi-Fi hub this
should be password protected and ask staff not to use any Wi-Fi networks
outside the business, such as free Wi-Fi in coffee shops, as these may be
unprotected.
Lastly, run regular backups on all your data in case of loss
of equipment or hardware failure. These should be set up to run automatically
daily and stored off site or in the cloud.