Too many companies overlook the importance of workplace security. Fraud and theft can end up being incredibly costly and it can be damaging to your reputation too. This is why it’s important to take precautions to protect your workplace from every angle. Below are a few different security elements to consider that can help you to turn your office into an impenetrable fortress.
Physical barriers
Setting up physical barriers is the most basic way to prevent the wrong people getting into your workplace. This includes installing doors that cannot be easily kicked in and lockable windows that cannot be easily broken or prised open. It could also include setting up fences and gates to stop people getting into parking lots or equipment yards.
Access controls
The next step is to consider access controls. How will you let certain people in, while keeping others out? Beyond locking exterior doors with a key, it could be worth looking into access control systems like keycard scanners, automatic license plate recognition or keypads that require passcodes. Determine which access control system is most efficient for your work premises.
Alarms
If someone does manage to break into a door or window, it’s useful to have it alarmed so that nearby people will be alerted. Modern alarm systems can be linked up to a smartphone app – remotely alerting you of a break-in. Alarm systems typically require a code or fob to activate and deactivate.
Surveillance
Video surveillance cameras can be worth installing to monitor your workplace when you’re not there. Not only can these cameras capture evidence of any crimes committed on your work premises, they can also act as an effective deterrent. Many modern surveillance cameras record footage on the cloud and can be linked up with alarm systems – if there is a break-in and the alarm sounds, you can remotely check cameras around your premises to identify the threat there and then.
Lighting
Illuminating the outside of your office at night can help to deter criminals by making it harder to attempt a break-in without being detected. Motion sensing lighting is a popular option that can save you a lot of money in energy compared to permanent lighting. Make sure that every potential entrance is lit up.
Visitor policy
It’s also important to have a visitor policy in place. You can’t always trust visitors, so you need to have a system in place to monitor them and potentially restrict access to certain areas. This could include making sure that they are accompanied by a staff member at all times and getting them to confirm their identity before accessing areas with sensitive information.
Cybersecurity
Security threats can be digital as well as physical. Make sure that you implement basic cybersecurity measures such as locking digital accounts with strong passwords, installing anti-virus software, keeping software updated, encrypting sensitive information and backing up all data. You may want to consider outsourcing managed IT services to carry out other measures like network monitoring to further protect your business.
Leave a Reply