As more businesses integrate technology into their operations, they face the challenge of cybersecurity. Cybercrime costs the world $10.5 trillion every year. The rise in cyberattacks has been motivated by the digital shift with more people working remotely.
Hackers and cybercriminals have seen the perfect opportunities to launch their attacks in an age where most things are being done online. We are talking about online entertainment like online gambling and enjoying incentives like Grande Vegas casino bonuses on casino sites, e-learning, and much more.
While most organizations focus on keeping cybercriminals at bay, they need to remember that effective cybersecurity begins with physical security. Here are measures you should implement.
1. Put in Place Surveillance
Whether it is surveillance cameras or an authentication system, surveillance will help beef up security in your business. For example, CCTV cameras placed in different locations in your business will capture anyone who enters and leaves your premises.
It will also monitor the activities of your staff to ensure internal theft does not take place.
Authentication logged onto locks such as biometrics and smartcards will ensure only authorized persons access the premises.
Surveillance will not only stop malicious persons from your properties, but it can also help bring intruders to justice. More so, the presence of surveillance may also scare away thieves and intruders.
2. Conduct A Security Awareness Training for Your Staff
A security awareness training will create awareness and give employees the knowledge and confidence to identify security threats. They will also understand how their actions could affect the organization’s security and how they can respond to security incidents.
Running a training session will reduce threats by equipping the staff with information on security best practices. Non-compliance to security protocols and policies can increase threats. Effective security training will enhance compliance to reduce security threats.
3. Have an Emergency Plan
Whether you have the best surveillance or security personnel at your premises, a foolproof emergency plan is necessary. The emergency plan should reduce the impact of a security breach and offer prompt action for your team.
For instance, an emergency response plan for data security should include data backup. If your hard drives are destroyed or stolen, do you have an extra copy of data that you can fall back to?
If there is a physical security breach, does your team have emergency services that can respond promptly? This should be in place to ensure there is coordination in the event of a security threat.
4. Discourage Tailgating
Tailgating is a common security risk. As multiple people use your access doors, an intruder may easily make their way through your premises. Discourage tailgating by putting in place policies that will limit the success of such passages.
Train your staff on the threats of tailgating to your security. Have guidelines in place to inform your team on actions to take in case unauthorized persons gain access to your business. Encourage your staff to note persons going through your doors and escort them to the correct locations, like an office.
Encourage employees to report faulty locks and suspicious activities to security personnel promptly.
5. Automate Your Security
Manual security processes can be inefficient to some extent. Automated procedures will be free of human error, making them reliable. For instance, an automatic alarm system will alert you when intruders are on your premises.
Motion sensors will also support your security team in identifying unusual activities, allowing them to respond effectively.
6. Conduct an Asset Inventory
Keeping records of assets in your organization will go a long way in preventing internal theft. Fewer assets will go missing, and you will stay updated on any security risks existing and address them to prevent further threats.
7. Access Control
You cannot afford to overlook access controls when it comes to physical security. Having sound processes and structures in place will help you keep criminals and intruders away from your premises.
The more people can access specific locations in your business, the higher the security threat. Therefore, it is vital to limit this access only to people that need it. Other than physical barriers, set up access controls to determine when and who can access specific locations.
The first control should be the access point. Common controls you can incorporate here include door locks, turnstiles, and security gates. Staff should also have personal credentials such as encrypted badges, passwords, PIN codes, and even key card entry systems.
Such credentials tell the system if the person requesting access is authorized. For example, if your business is using keys, only persons needed in specific spaces should have them. If keys get lost, the locks should be changed immediately.
8. Monitor and Address Internal Security Threats
Sound security systems cover both external and internal threats. Your employees can also be a security threat. They could be the greatest threat if they are planning anything against your business because they have access.
Ensure that sensitive documents are locked in safes. Communicate with your staff regarding security access controls and the limitations. Install surveillance cameras so that your security team can effectively monitor the movement and activities of your staff.
Take Away
Security threats such as burglary and data loss can dent your business finances and reputation. There is a need to stay vigilant and proactive about your security by setting up surveillance, putting in place access controls, and having an emergency security plan. Conduct security awareness training for your staff to enhance compliance.