It doesn’t matter which industry you’re in or how large your business is, you need to prioritize security. Specifically, you need to prioritize your online and offline security.
Online security involves everything from how you protect your sensitive data to how you train your employees to handle tech equipment.
In contrast, offline security is everything physical, such as how you protect your offices and stores.
In an age where security threats are around every corner, there’s no time for complacency. You need to allocate a significant part of your budget to security-related matters; otherwise, you’ll risk some big long-term costs if anything goes wrong!
So, here are the best ways you can protect your business online and offline.
Use Interactive Security Services
Firstly, let’s start with your business premises.
Whether you have a small office down a side street or a huge multi-floor building in a popular area, you need to ensure that you cover all angles.
The best way to do this is by using interactive security services, which you can learn more about at Quickresponse.net.
Modern security has advanced a lot over the past decade. Now, businesses are equipping their properties with video surveillance cameras that then link back to their smartphones and iPads. From here, business managers and employees can then monitor their properties even when they’re working remotely. Plus, they can also get instant alerts whenever there is suspicious activity or signs of an attempted break-in.
Here’s an interesting example. Let’s say you’re out of town and your office building is vacant. However, at 9pm someone attempts to break. If this individual triggered your lock, you would be able to get a text notifying you about it.
By using interactive security services, your business will be much safer, and you’ll be able to relax knowing this.
Invest in cybersecurity
Now that the internet has taken over the world of business, you need to keep yourself protected online – especially if you have tons of customer data and bank details stored in the cloud.
So, the only way to protect yourself online is via cybersecurity.
In simple terms, cybersecurity is the application of technologies and programs to keep yourself protected from cyber-attacks.
Here are some cybersecurity tips for you to use:
- Use anti-virus protection and firewalls. On the internet, there are tons of free anti-virus protection programs that you can download. However, most businesses pay for more advanced software so that they have extra protection.
- Provide employees with strict password guidelines. If you have a bunch of employees with company accounts, they should be given strict password guidelines (while also being instructed to change their passwords every few months).
- Use two-factor authentication on company computers and programs. This will drastically reduce the chances of any accounts getting hacked.
Also, make sure to train your employees to be aware of phishing scams. Right now, phishing is a major problem for some businesses. Essentially, phishing is when hackers send out fake emails that appear genuine. For example, a hacker might send emails to your employees pretending to be a potential business partner. Within the phishing email, there will be a dangerous link disguised as something innocent. The hacker will ask you to click the link, which will then allow them to get into your system, steal details, and cause some damage – which you don’t want to happen!
Therefore, make sure your employees are well-trained to spot potential phishing scams. This way, no dangerous links will be opened.
Vet your employees
During the hiring process, your HR department should conduct a thorough vetting process; from a candidate’s criminal history to work background. If any warning signs appear, such as previous criminal convictions, then you will know not to hire them.
Attend security conferences
Because security is a big topic in global business (especially cybersecurity), there are often lots of events and conferences taking place where specialist speakers let the audience know about the latest trends and strategies to follow. If any security conferences are taking place in your area this year, it’s a good idea to attend them with your business partners to increase your knowledge.
Avoid using public WiFi
When you and your employees are working remotely or are out of the office, it’s a smart idea to avoid public WiFi. This is because public WiFi often isn’t secure, meaning if you log in to an unencrypted site, other users on the same network will be able to see what you send and receive.