It’s tough enough to survive in the world of business without succumbing to threats like security breaches and cybercrime. With more than 90 percent of startups failing, the last thing you want is to lose business or incur unexpected costs as a result of unwanted intruders. If you have business premises, you offer online services via a website, or you handle sensitive information on your computer network, it’s incredibly important to try and ensure your startup is safe. Here are some simple ways you can improve security.
Shutterstock Licensed photo – By Nicescene
Securing your business premises
Whether you own a store, a studio, a stockroom or an office, it’s essential to make sure that there are security measures in place. If somebody was to break in and take equipment, tools, technology or cash, this could put a serious dent in your income and cause you to have to close down for a period of time. If you’re a small business, you probably don’t have the budget to cover a network of CCTV cameras or round-the-clock patrols, but there are plenty of steps you can take. One option is tinting, which reinforces windows and makes them stronger. If somebody tries to break through a window, they’ll soon discover an extra layer made from vinyl, which is much harder to crack. If this is an option that appeals, search for companies that offer commercial and residential window tinting and get some quotes. Another path to take is trying to deter thieves by fitting an alarm and making sure doors and windows are locked. For added peace of mind, you could choose a security system that is linked to your phone so that you can check on the premises wherever you are.
Fighting cybercrime
You may assume that small businesses fly under the radar of hackers, but you’d be wrong. In an age when cyber-attacks cost companies around the world more than $450 billion, there’s no room for complacency. You often hear about attacks on major multinationals because they tend to have more dramatic consequences and TV audiences want to learn more, but there are many small businesses that have experienced the same online assaults. If you’re worried about cybercrime, there are myriad things you can do to try and nullify the threat. One of the most important rules to enforce is the use of passwords, and this doesn’t mean series of numbers or popular words or names that could be guessed in a matter of seconds. Change passwords on a regular basis and don’t provide open access to sensitive information. It’s also worth providing training or running some informal sessions to educate staff about viruses and scams. This could enable them to identify suspicious signs. Using the cloud rather than physical servers could also help to boost online security.
When you’ve invested money and poured blood, sweat and tears into getting a business off the ground, you don’t want to give somebody the chance to rob you of the opportunity to make that venture a success. It may not always be possible to shield your company from danger, but taking steps to protect it could make all the difference to your survival chances.