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It is sad to say that all businesses everywhere do require security measures both online and offline, but it is true. In this, protection is most certainly better than cure. Leaving your security as a point of “it will never happen to my business” will only make life far harder when it does.
However, there are things that you can do and investments that you can make which will protect your business and make it far less of an easier target for crime.
#1 Protect your business against disputes and fraud
With today’s businesses so reliant on software, it is no wonder why the world seems to have ground to a halt when something goes wrong. Of course, for the most common problems, your IT department can help, but there can be times when more serious issues arise. Whether it is down to the software that you are using or software that your business has developed, there are many things that can go wrong. For instance, it could be that the software has failed to do the job that it was supposed to or that cybercriminals have stolen it. Either way, these types of problems can be beyond your control and your capabilities to sort them out, and this is when you may require the services of a software expert witness.
These are the experts you will need to call upon should you need to take someone to court or if you are on the receiving end of a court case. They will conduct an in-depth technical analysis of the software in question and stand in court to announce their conclusions.
#2 Cybersecurity
Cybercrime is rife, and the only real protection you can get is that of a dedicated cybersecurity team. Of course, you can teach your employees about phishing attacks and the use of strong passwords to eliminate the threat as much as possible. However, your cybersecurity will inevitably save the day should a cybercriminal gain access to your business.
Cyber-attacks cost businesses huge amounts of money each year, and not just this, can damage your business. Being at the receiving end of a successful cyberattack can also damage your reputation, especially if it is well-reported. Customers will leave your company in their droves as they will feel that it could happen again. However, in worse-case scenarios, a well-aimed cyberattack can ruin a business completely and cause its closure.
#3 Physical security
You can introduce physical security to your business. This can make it harder for the more conventional criminal threatening your business. Keycard entry will mean that only those with certain swipe cards can enter your building, although there is a risk that these can be lost or stolen. Key code entry pads may be a better option as long as your employees do not decide to write down the numbers required to gain entry. A much safer method could be facial or retina recognition software.
This, of course, just protects entry into your business building or any restricted areas that you may have within. You will undoubtedly have to take other precautions for your tech. The most common protection in these areas is that of the simple password. Individuals who want to gain access can easily work out this. So, making this a lot harder would be beneficial to your business.
Opting for 2FA (2 factorial authentications) tactics will mean that your employees will not only have a password but could also be supplied with a one-time use security code that will either be emailed, texted, or received via a phone call or another form of identification. MFA (multifunctional authorization) is very similar to the 2FA tactic, but the authentication process can have three or more stages.
#4 Protect the people that work for you
The points discussed are very much what happens inside your business. However, it is important to realize that your employees require a form of protection when they are outside your business building but still on your premises. Walking around in your parking lot or between their vehicles and your building is where your employees will be at their most vulnerable.
You can alleviate this vulnerability by installing CCTV cameras around your boundary and on your building. It is important to make sure that you have not left any dark points and that all areas are covered. Finding out that an attack or an incident has taken place in the one area that is not covered by a camera will not only be frustrating for the victim but could also mean that the corporate is not caught.
Of course, your cameras can be aided with the use of floodlighting. This can make your employees feel far safer when on your property at dusk or after dark, but again you will have to make sure that they light up all areas and do not leave a dark spot where crime can take place unseen.
In addition to this, having a physical presence can speak volumes. A team of security guards moving around your site and situated at entrances and exits will ensure that a level of security is being achieved, and might not be quite as costly as you fear. It can act as a deterrent to those that are seeking a way in or are thinking about harming your business or one of your workers.
So, to wrap it all up
Knowing how your business can fall foul of a crime is most certainly a starting point. However, it is important that you take action in the form of a protection plan. This should ensure that if this kind of attempt was to happen, you can avoid a catastrophe or at least limit the damage it can do.
Protection can come in the form of dedicated technical experts to help with court cases, IT teams to provide cybersecurity, and physical barriers and security guards to limit the possibility of unauthorized entry into your buildings and, should criminals gain entry into your tech.