Running a business is great, but running a business and keeping it secure is a daunting task. Unfortunately, some people want to take what you have for themselves. As a result, they could steal information about your business operations, clients, employees, or sensitive details.
How do you secure your information and data with many threats to your business? By instituting a security protocol and procedures for handling information and technologies in the workplace and outside the office.
Whether you’re a top manufacturer in that sector, a bio-research lab specializing in analytic lab equipment, or simply in a competitive field requiring sensitive information to be handled securely to prevent damage to your business, you need to establish a security protocol.
Consider your competitors if you’re asking why you need to go to the trouble of adding security layers to your office and workplace. If they had their hands on some of your most valuable features or best clients, would that information getting out damage your business or make it harder to grow?
Also, consider that at one point, an employee may become a competitor using the knowledge and training they received from your operation to become a direct threat to your business.
Those are two significant reasons you need to set up a security protocol for your office and business operations.
Create An NDA For Employees And Vendors
Protecting your operations and systems is part of protecting what makes your business successful. When you hire new people or outsource and share sensitive information with third parties, you are setting your business up for exploitation if you don’t spell out what is protected and what is free information.
For employees, you could go the route of a non-compete clause that disallows former employees from using their experiences from your business to create, or work for, a competing entity.
Non-compete agreements are a good form of protection, but they’re not ironclad. If someone violates the non-compete, damage to your business may already be done by the time you seek remediation through the court system.
Instead, a non-disclosure agreement is a better option. A non-disclosure agreement (NDA) is a legal contract that stipulates what types of materials and operations are owned and protected by your organization.
It is a joint agreement between both parties over what information is protected and spells out the potential damages that may be incurred for violating those agreements.
Keep Proprietary Information Secure
The remote option for many employers and the reliance on mobile devices create a security nightmare for proprietary and sensitive information.
Establishing a secure perimeter to protect your data requires a strong IT and cyber-security department, especially for online activities.
For smaller businesses, having a department solely focused on data and proprietary information security may be a luxury they are ill to afford. Instead, you could outsource to a reputable IT company with a proven track record of staying on top of the constantly evolving online threats.
Educate Employees On Security Protocols
An excellent IT and cyber-security system will only be as functional as your employees are compliant with the procedures.
Educating your staff on the rigors of their online access and the use of unsecured personal devices in the work area, especially when handling sensitive communications and documents, is a crucial step to be taken.
You should provide detailed password and login instructions, including two-party authentication as an added form of online security. Two-party authentication provides an added layer of security and access controls than typical password protection.
Utilize State-Of-The-Art Access Systems
To secure your office, you need to implement security systems that allow for limited and full access throughout your business and office spaces.
You should install state-of-the-art access systems from employee badges, visitor passes, and building access systems that monitor and control access to buildings, office spaces, and parking garages. These systems allow you to provide or restrict access to all individuals at your locations.
Every employee should be issued a badge that allows access as needed and can quickly be restricted in the event of a significant need.
Install Enhanced Security Systems
After you enhance your data and online security, you also need to implement a physical security system starting with a CCTV system and also a physical alarm system throughout.
CCTV And Video Monitoring Systems
Increase your office security by adding a closed-circuit TV system.
A closed-circuit TV recording and monitoring system is one of the best ways to increase overall office security, track unwarranted actions, and create a video log of all activity within the office spaces.
Installing cameras acts as a visual deterrent but also allows you to review what actions took place in the case of missing items or some other adverse action that took place on your grounds.
These cameras and video also provide liability protection as they are time stamped and can be shown as evidence if something unfavorable occurs on your property.
Alarms And Motion Detectors
A physical alarm system adds to the visual deterrent of any theft from occurring on your premises.
The primary function is to detect and deter exterior breaches and break-ins, especially during times when the offices are unsupervised such as after-hours, weekends, and holidays. The goal of your business is to make a profit and grow. So protecting how and the ways you accomplish those things in your business has got to be a priority for you as an officer or administrator.