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Simple tips for better workplace security

Safety should be a top priority in any office, but it might not be something you think about on a daily basis. That’s why we’ve written a list of top workplace security tips to make sure your office is as safe as possible. By following these top tips, you can make sure everyone in the office is safe to work their hardest, without having to worry about break-ins or violence.

Because, though it may sound surprising, office break-ins do happen, and small businesses do get robbed. Here is what you need to do to make sure it doesn’t happen to you.

Make security part of your routine

You need to adjust your daily schedule if it doesn’t already include several essential security checks.

Working security checks into your daily routine is a great way to increase the security of your workplace and doesn’t take up much time either. At the beginning of the day, check all doors and windows for any signs of force, and check your alarm system (another security essential) to make sure it has not been deactivated.

Throughout the day, keep an eye on any cash or valuable items, and make sure the office is always occupied. At closing time, store any expensive items securely, and lock all doors and windows. An extended version of this secure routine can be found here on this helpfulsecurity checklist from Prevention Commerce.

Get CCTV and use it wisely

If you do not already use CCTV in your workplace, you should. It has been proven to reduce crime, and it is used by the police to help catch perpetrators, which further discourages crime as a result. Once you have CCTV cameras installed, make sure they’re set up for maximum effect.

One of the most important tips is the positioning of your security cameras, which could prove vital - particularly if you want to benefit from the deterrent effect. By prominently displaying the fact that you have security camera systems, you can ward off potential perpetrators and opportunists.

In addition to providing workplace surveillance for security, you will need make sure you’re not breaking the Human Rights Act or Data Protection Act. Check the law before pointing cameras at your staff, as you may be breaching their right to privacy.

Access Control

CCTV is effective for catching criminals, obtaining invaluable legal evidence and discouraging unlawful behaviour in the first place. However, some workplaces may be best kept secure with an access control system, as recommended by security experts Banham. Workplaces with access control systems require employees to use a code, or key cards to enter and leave certain areas of the premises. This means you can restrict access to an onsite location that only a limited number of personnel need to visit. It’s also one of the best ways to monitor who enters and leaves the building.

Some access control systems utilise audio and video entry systems (where access can be granted upon recognition), whereas some use biometric systems which scan fingerprints..

Protect your data

Much like making changes to your routine, such as encrypting data, might be a security solution you had not considered. But whether your business is carried out entirely on computers, or whether you only use one to write up invoices, data security is essential.

The government has made a booklet that advises small businesses on cyber safety, and it is a crucial read. Contained within the guide are points that may not seem particularly important. For example, ensuring that your employees download all software updates could be seen as a low priority for digital security. However, many software updates include security updates that help to protect your computer from malware and hackers. The latter are particularly dangerous, as they look to exploit vulnerabilities such as users of outdated software packages.

To further boost your data security, ensure that your company has a strict password policy for all accounts and use antivirus software. If you ever switch to new computers or new storage devices, make sure you destroy the old data to ensure it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caitlyn Stevens .