Not sure if your business is secure? Then follow our five-step checklist:
- Software
Ensure you use strong keywords for all of your technological gadgets, incorporating a mixture of numbers, upper and lower case letters and symbols. Change your passwords regularly – at least every 3 months and don’t write them down. Consider setting up a two-step login where you have to fill in a password, followed by a code.
Also, keep your anti-virus protection up-to-date – Norton, McAfee and Panda remain popular. If you’re finding your software licenses expensive explore the range of open software available – just ensure whatever you choose, you can use them for commercial use.
- Disposing of technology
When you are disposing of software such as your office computers, ensure you’re getting rid of them responsibly and erase the hard drives before you do. Remember you must abide by the data protection act. Look for an authorised contractor to assist you, who will dispose of computers according to the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive – some charities now offer this service so that you would be doing a good turn too.
- Keys
Do you know who has access to your premises? Ensure you know who has keys to your business premises. It’s not just the outside that counts – be sure to consider how many keys within the premises are used to open internal doors, cabinets and other storage. Do you know how many keys have been handed out by the business and do you know who has them? Do you have a way to control the duplication of keys? Ensure you have an up-to-date key control policy and that you can trace to whom keys have been issued.
A reputable locksmith can design a master key system for your business that has a patented lock with restricted access to the duplication of keys. If you are considering fitting new locks to your business premises, then make sure you are meeting the terms of your insurance policy too. Additionally, you might want to consider engaging a key holding service from a security company in your local area. Are you looking for reputable security companies near you to assist you with key holding services and other security services? Then help is at hand.
- Consider security cameras
Security cameras can give you peace of mind, whether they’re acting as a deterrent to make people think twice about their actions or enabling you to investigate an incident at a later date. The location and type of security cameras are crucial if they are to be effective, so do enlist the assistance of a professional. If your business is likely to grow in the future then consider a contract that allows you to scale up if you need to.
- Fit an alarm
If you haven’t already, consider installing an alarm system into your business premises. Get the locks right first, and then look at your alarm choices. A range of options are available, so do consult a professional to find the right type for your business and ensure they are members of the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB). First and foremost consider what you want from the device, from a signal to be sent to a remote monitoring centre, or a call put into the police.
We hope that this 5 point checklist has been helpful to you in evaluating the security of your business and it’s given you food for thought on how best to approach this in the future.
