The security of your business is extremely important especially these days with various accounts of robberies. It should be clearly appreciated that any business, no matter the size, must take this seriously. Some global surveys have unearthed an interesting trend whereby the most targeted are small to medium-sized businesses. Thus it is even more important for such businesses to go the extra mile because it is them that tend to be porous. In this article I shall discuss two areas namely, improving your business security and what to consider when enlisting a security company.
Ways To Improve Your Security
The first area I am covering is some of the ways you can use to improve the security of your business.
Compartmentalization
Any business is comprised of several departments or procedures and the like. Some of them are inventory, cash (funds), archives, and so on. The operating principle must be that there must be functional isolation for each of the separate parts of a business. This will ensure that no one individual has excessive control and access to everything. Not only does this protect the business from external culprits but it even makes inside jobs extremely difficult to pull off. It also makes it easy to audit trails and to interrogate accountability.
Periodic Security Audits
Knowing how to enhance your security is borne out of knowing where the loopholes are. This is where security audits come in. This is something you can do in-house or you can enlist the services of a security company. Later on, I will touch on how to choose the right security company. They can best do this for you.
Do Not Take Cyber Security Lightly
This is an area that is usually neglected, mostly out of ignorance. Running businesses digitally is a growing trend nowadays so you cannot trivialize cybersecurity issues. A common entry point for culprits is your Wi-Fi network. Make sure it is well secured with impervious firewalls – you can seek professional assistance from IT experts. When leaving the business premises, say after business hours; make sure you turn off your network completely. When it is switched on also periodically check its traffic in order to note any intruders.
Inculcate a culture for your business where everyone ensures they log out whenever they are done with a digital procedure that involves logging in. Examples are things like social media accounts, emails and PCs amongst others. Everyone must be well acquainted with what constitutes a strong password – do not use easily determinable passwords. An example of a strong password is Aimsew@#7
Enhance Physical Security
Physical security broadly entails components like doors, windows and other elements that can be used as access points. It is important to invest in doors and even door screens made from a robust material. There are various types of locks but go for the top of the range ones that are not easy to breach or pick. Do not forget the windows; buttress them with steel burglar bars and you can even incorporate locking mechanisms for the windows.
Have Access Control Mechanisms
When it comes to information and material resources at your business there must be some form of access control. This should even start from merely entering into the premises. There must be employee and visitor logs – it must be ensured they are entered honestly. If you have the funds you can even install biometric or card-activated access systems. You might not necessarily do this for the whole premises but can only do it for sensitive or highly confidential sections of your business.
In terms of keys and locks, there must be a solid accountability trail. A few individuals must have access to keys and locks; most importantly it must be made easy to track who had access, at what time and so forth. Supposing keys or locks have been lost or misplaced you must immediately replace them.
How To Choose The Right Security Company
Leverage On Social Proofs
One of the easiest ways to ascertain the authenticity of an entity nowadays is social proofs. There are various sources of social proofs namely, current clients, references, referrals, recommendations, and track record amongst others. If you have a security company or security companies in mind you can gain more insight into them by asking their current clients. Even by asking around from family, friends and relatives you can get good leads.
Certification And Licenses
The hallmark of genuine and well-structured business is a certification and licensing. As for a security company, there must be a certification for both the company and its guarding staff. Then the company must be properly registered with the required licensing. Any well-meaning security company should be able to show physical proof of all these components upon your request.
Look At Their Infrastructure
The smooth operation of a security company demands a wide range of equipment. Things like vehicles, weaponry, communication systems and the like are a must-have. They must be properly insured and they must have a solid rapid response framework. You must also look into their HR management infrastructure. Their guards are a key element in their service provision so you must ascertain that they are formally trained and certified. They must also be well-remunerated to ensure they deliver top-notch service.
In closing, let me point out a pertinent thing to consider i.e. contractual issues. Some of the key things that must be comprehensively addressed in your contractual agreement are guard profiles, guard screening, staffing history, guard supervision, data management, guards on-duty standard operating procedures (SOPs) and so on. It is important to not rush through this process because the service you get will be a function of the contract you agree on. It will also be important to consider the cost aspect; that is a major determinant for your ultimate decision. Thus you must have a thorough understanding of the securities companies industry in order to bargain from an informed standpoint.
