All businesses are going to have assets that they can’t afford to lose. However, if the asset is valuable to the business, you can assume it will have value to those who might steal it, as well. Digital equipment, machinery, and even data can all be stolen.
Workplace security is the means by which we combat that very real threat of theft and unauthorized access. Today, workplace security works in a few different ways. Here are some of the ways you can neutralize potential and existing threats to the business.
Preventing unauthorized access
Not every individual who visits the workplace may need to have access to the assets that you have. For things like the inventory in the stockroom and highly valuable equipment, access should be controlled physically, such as with the use of ID-based restrictions.
For digital assets, such as valuable and sensitive data, you should ensure that you use systems with two-step authentication and passwords, as well as access control to make sure that every user has to verify their identity and that each individual user account has access to only the data that’s relevant to them.
Surveillance and alerts
Anticipation of security threats in the workplace is crucial. For physical assets, this can mean using things like wireless surveillance systems, alongside security alarm systems so that you are alerted to the unauthorized presence in the property as soon as possible.
For digital systems, this might mean working with a managed cybersecurity team who can monitor logs from a range of digital access points that can raise the alarm as soon as there is any suspicious activity. From there, they can lock down certain parts of the system, stopping the spread of any threats until it is resolved.
Creating a strong security policy
The security systems in place are only going to be as effective as the team that is operating them. As such, frequent training on workplace security threats and the creation and maintenance of a comprehensive security policy is key.
Your team needs to know what steps to follow in the event of a potential breach. Rather than leaving it entirely up to their discretion, security and crisis management policies can help direct them to productively dealing with them as soon as they can.
Determining and preparing for threats
In order to make sure that you are putting strong security policies in place, you should start with an evaluation of the security needs of the workplace. A risk assessment will help you figure out what you need to protect and how it is currently unprotected. From there, you can work with the right physical security and cybersecurity management teams to find the best options to correct those threats.
With the help of strong security policies, the right equipment, and the help of a cybersecurity management team, you can make sure that your business is protected from the threat that criminals pose. Take the time to identify the assets that you value, the security threats that exist around them, and what you can do to close those gaps.