This article was previously published on March 2, 2017 and updated for comprehensiveness and accuracy. 

Spring is final here! Now is the perfect time to prioritize cleaning and reorganizing your business with a spring refresh. Beyond tidying up the office, you can utilize spring cleaning to evaluate and improve the security of your business.

Security threats evolve over time, so it’s important to reevaluate security needs at least once a year. Adding security to your spring-cleaning checklist is the perfect time to do it! Below we discuss different security areas you should evaluate during your business refresh.

Review and Update Security Policies

Security policies are crucial for any business to protect their valuable assets and help prevent any unauthorized access to their information. However, it's not enough to create security policies then simply forget about them. It's important to regularly review and update security policies to ensure that they are still effective and relevant to the current business environment.

Take some time to review your current security policies, including password policies, access control policies, and incident response plans. Ensure all policies are up-to-date and still relevant to your business operations. Consider whether you need to make any changes based on recent security incidents, new regulations, or changes in your business practices.

Dispose Old Hardware Properly

After a certain point, all electronics reach the end of their lifecycle. If you're getting rid of old computers or other electronic devices, make sure you dispose them properly. Simply throwing electronics in the trash can be a security risk, as they may contain sensitive data. For example, old hard drives, smartphones, and tablets may contain confidential files, customer data, and even login credentials that malicious actors could exploit.

To mitigate these risks, businesses must be thorough when disposing old hardware. It’s essential to completely wipe the data from each piece of hardware. It can be beneficial to partner with an E-waste disposal company to ensure all data is destroyed and all pieces of equipment are safely removed. Many electronics also pose environmental concerns if they’re not disposed properly, so it’s always important to follow local regulations whenever removing old electronics.

Assess Your Building’s Exterior and Surrounding Area

Strong exterior security prevents intruders from entering your building. As part of your spring-cleaning routine, you should conduct an audit of your business exterior to ensure your first line of defense is secure. Here’s how:

  • Replace burnt out or broken lights.
  • Ensure dark areas, such as doorways, parking lots, and walkways are well lit.
  • Check video surveillance cameras to determine whether they are properly connected and updated with the latest software.
  • Check equipment and phone lines to ensure they are not worn or damaged.
  • If you haven’t already, place surveillance cameras near windows and entryways.
  • Test locks and consider replacing them with more advanced access control solutions if they appear dated or unstable.
  • Trim large bushes or shrubs to enhance visibility of your business’ outdoor area.

By investing in a strong exterior, businesses can create a physical barrier that prevents unauthorized access and reduces the risk of theft, vandalism, and other types of security breaches. Additionally, a visible and robust security system can create a sense of security among employees and customers, which can help to foster a safer work environment and protect against potential legal liabilities.

Evaluate Your Business’ Interior and Security Systems

While the security measures outside your business help keep intruders away, your interior has many facets that protect you, your employees, customers, and valuable assets too. When giving your interior a spring refresh, consider the following to optimize business security:

  • Update passwords and passcodes for all security systems and equipment.
  • Replace batteries in environmental hazard equipment, such as carbon monoxide and/or smoke detectors, if needed.
  • Ensure all equipment is up-to-date and has the necessary anti-virus and firewalls installed to fend off cyber-attacks.
  • If utilized, establish bring your own device (BYOD) and remote work policies.
  • Evaluate who has access to your company’s critical data to determine if information is only in the necessary individual’s hands.
  • Assess interior camera placement and make adjustment if needed.
  • If you haven’t already, place image sensors and glass-break detectors near windows and doors.

Don’t let a security attack hurt your business’s reputation. A spring-cleaning refresh is a great opportunity to revalue your security measures and adjust for the future. If you haven’t already, consider partnering with a professional security provider. Our team at Vector Security provides top-of-the-line solutions that better protect your business, employees, and customers. For more information, contact us today.