As a business owner, one key to mitigating security risks is effective employee training. A simple mistake or act of negligence from your internal team can pose risks to your company’s property and information.
For example, an improperly protected mobile device connected to your network can leave your company data vulnerable to hackers. Or, failure to set your security system could leave the facility unarmed against intruders.
Implement the five security practices below to ensure your business upholds optimal security and safety measures at all times.
1. Establish Access Controls
To promote safety and prevent false alarms, all employees should understand the protocol for opening and locking up your place of business.
Create individual security codes for arming and disarming your security system to log who opens and closes the shop each day. Codes should only be provided to trusted personnel, and can be programmed to alert business leaders when used. This way, you can track if an employee attempts to access the building at an inappropriate time.
2. Integrate Security Awareness through Holistic Training
Train employees, preferably during their onboarding process, about security risks and rules. Training methods may include providing them with written documentation, offering training sessions or providing workshop discussions to cover specific concerns, like cyber security. Once employees have been trained, require individuals to sign an agreement to meet daily expectations for keeping your business safe.
Topics to consider discussing include:
- Rules around allowing an unescorted stranger into your facility.
- Key copying or sharing of security system access codes.
- Tampering with security equipment including alarm system control panels, video surveillance cameras, sensors and the like.
- How to report suspicious activity or persons to company leadership.
3. Set Clear Cyber Safety Standards Across Your Company
Business security now includes online security. As a first step, all devices (mobile phones, tablets, laptops, etc.) used for business need to be backed with malware and antivirus software. Furthermore, set a company-wide standard to password protect devices and only connect to the network via secure Internet servers.
Lastly, prohibit illegal downloading of any kind on business devices and computers. This common, and often unintentional, act can leave your company’s technology vulnerable to hacks.
4. Leave Maintenance to the Pros
Plain and simple: do not allow employees to fix security devices. No matter their perceived tech savviness, only authorized personnel trained by your security provider will be able to ensure your security devices are installed and working properly.
In the event that a device is malfunctioning, alerts and updates have been discontinued, or tampering has occurred, employees may only worsen the maintenance issue.
5. Select a Point of Contact
Choose one individual to be the point of contact in the event of a security breach, or if security equipment is damaged or malfunctioning. This individual should keep a pulse on your business’ systems and maintain a relationship with your security partner.
Ensure the individual is given the correct resources to reach out to your security provider for assistance, and that all employees know how to report a security concern.
Business safety begins and ends with employees who respect security equipment and safety protocol. Work one-on-one with your employees and leaders to maintain consistent attention to your property’s security needs.
How do you keep business security standards top of mind for your team? Share your suggestions in the comments below!
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