Security threats have always been present in every type of business. Commonly, people would think that large-scale businesses will always be a primary target, as intruders would be able to obtain more assets there compared to those newer, small-scale businesses.
However, small businesses are more vulnerable when it comes to security threats.
Threats such as theft and extortion are among the most commonly identified security threats for small businesses. Even cybersecurity threats are now more prominent to small businesses.
Due to the technological developments and security system advancements of these huge companies, criminals and hackers now find it hard to even get initial access to those companies. On the contrary, small businesses often underestimate the severe implications and consequences of these threats because of their current business focus.
Primarily, this is because small businesses focus more on their company’s operational and functional concerns since they’re just starting to meet their company’s goals. Also, as security threats become more complex nowadays, owners typically skip security awareness and training for their employees.
Just as the security and safety risks may be inevitable for small businesses at this point, there are still several ways to at least mitigate or even eliminate these risks. To be able to create a better and safer working environment, below are some building security best practices that every small business owner should follow:
Build Security Awareness
It is essential that among your staff and officers, discussions about security and safety are done. As an owner, your priority should ensure that they are well aware of the risks to their safety and security because of the data or assets that they’re handling. Your employees’ vigilance and alertness will be your company’s first security advantage in case of an emergency.
Informing them about the importance of cleaning their working table, locking their drawers, and securing their office keys at every end of each working day can be a good start. Establishing a well-planned communication and response policy during unexpected situations is also an ideal security awareness plan.
While letting employees know about the risks is a basic protocol, assuring them of their safety while working should be your next step.
Secure the Areas around the Property
Perimeter surveillance is a must. When checking out a commercial space and property, it will be best to also consider the situation of the areas surrounding the property. Through this, you will be able to project the possible security threats that you may get throughout your stay in the area.
Installing enough lighting, fences, or barriers around the property can lower the chance of unintentionally inviting unauthorized people into your building.
Install CCTV Cameras
Installing CCTV or surveillance cameras has become a basic security feature for offices at the moment. Putting in as many surveillance cameras as your budget allows will be helpful, but strategically putting them on locations such as entrance and exit doors and elevators would be more advantageous.
Should the building or property have an open parking area or a wide exterior space, it will also be good to put surveillance cameras outside for better monitoring. These cameras have been proven to be one of the most effective digital security tools for recording.
Getting the right type of surveillance camera would also make a big difference as there are cameras that can cover large and extended areas already.
Apply an Access Control System
Since most of the building properties consist of several floors, requiring an access card for each employee or staff would also increase the security features in your building. The main lobby elevator should only allow entry of authorized persons by using their officially issued access cards.
An electronic access control system would also give the owner the authority to decide which areas are supposed to be accessible by certain staff and employees. Days and times when the access card can work may also be automatically determined.
Through this system, owners can keep the restricted areas secured and they can also give different levels of access to each employee. Moreover, it will also reduce the risks of giving open access to burglars or any kind of intruders.
Employ a Well-Rounded Security Staff
When talking about getting an expert, well-known security staff, small business owners tend to think that this may not be suitable for them at the moment since they’re still trying to keep their business afloat amidst the tight competition and the initial capital that they have.
Realistically speaking, getting a fully equipped and expert security agency may sound like an expensive additional cost for small businesses, but knowing that your data, physical assets, and business money are all safe and secured will relieve you from the anxiety of thinking about the potential net loss caused by security issues.
Hiring a security staff from an agency will outweigh all the cons that you can probably think of. For one, security personnel from agencies have enough knowledge and background about the job.
Apart from this, security agencies also offer packages that are composed of highly-trained security personnel and other security equipment like metal detectors, emergency alarms, and lights. This would give you fewer expenses considering that you won’t need to buy each piece of equipment or even train and hire employees who will specialize in safety and security.
Generally, these five practices are among the best and most suggested security practices for small businesses right now. Alarm Masters will help you further identify the key areas that you need to prioritize in terms of building security.
Let us all be aware and reminded that in this time of uncertainty, most people look for companies that can ensure their safety and security above all. So, we hope that this article helped you in figuring out the importance of applying these building security best practices to your business.
