The benefits of implementing proper security measures are clear, but it can be difficult to know where to begin. Here are a few concrete steps you can take to start ensuring your business is secure.
1. Implement access control.
It goes without saying that one of the most effective ways to ensure your company’s security is controlling who gets in or out. Going beyond the traditional lock and key and investing in access control cards provides a number of advantages: For starters, they’re much harder to duplicate than physical keys. Additionally, should you need to remove access from a specific person, there’s no need to change the locks or give out a new entry code — just change the database, and everyone else can carry on using their cards as normal.
2. Use a photo ID.
Including photos on your employees’ ID cards not only helps them feel like a valued team member but also makes them clearly identifiable to customers as a part of the company. Photo ID also provides an additional layer of visual identification, enabling you to challenge visitors on site and check that no one’s in your building who shouldn’t be. Many businesses now opt to purchase their own ID card printer and create bespoke yet secure cards in-house.
3. Easily identify visitors and contractors.
Visitors and contractors can also pose a high risk to your business if they are left to their own devices and allowed to wander the building or premises at ease. Making sure all visitors sign in upon arrival, and issuing them with a photo pass and lanyards is a straightforward and cost-effective procedure to implement. Many businesses also opt to apply a color code scheme such as issuing visitors with a red lanyard, contractors blue, and other personal green. It is also key to make sure that all staff are trained to know the color scheme used and what to do if they identify an intruder within the building.
4. Keep your networks secure.
Recent high-profile hacks have brought network security to the fore, meaning that many more of us are adopting security best practices. Nonetheless, it’s still worth repeating that cybersecurity is of the utmost importance — especially as it now has a bearing on the security of your physical premises as well. Implementing strict security measures, including strong passwords, multi-step authentication, and security from the cloud, can help minimize risks to your business.
5. Build a security culture among your team.
Technology is an important tool in your arsenal, but equally vital is that your employees have a strong knowledge of security procedures. First, keep your company safe by consulting security specialists to analyze your business’s needs. Create clear, actionable policies that your employees can follow — and make sure that these are communicated. Finally, ensure that new hires are a good fit for your company’s needs and that they hit the ground running by properly briefing them about your company’s security policy on day one.
Following proper security procedures is a crucial step in building legitimacy and ensuring the long-term viability of your business. Getting it right is important — but it doesn’t have to be difficult.
NSG Security Guard Solutions is well-versed in supplying physical guarding services, for the commercial, residential, retail, and educational sectors. Get in touch now for Efficient Quotes, Competitive Prices & CCTV Installation.
