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.