Business security is not something that can be taken lightly. From the various technology options to managing the physical aspects of your building’s security, simple upgrades to both the interior and the exterior portions of your security system can protect the investment you’ve made in your business and your staff for many years.
Do Basic Systems Need to Be Checked?
Many businesses rely on basic systems to protect their buildings, inventory, equipment, and the technology found in their business. These simple systems are usually comprised of some of the following features:
- Deadbolt locks
- Simple motion detectors
- Electronic security systems
- A small camera system
While these features will help in some way, in reality, they may not be enough to ward off potential threats. Something as simple as improving the exterior lighting can eliminate blind spots and ward off potential thieves. Remote camera monitoring can also be a beneficial addition, providing clear, real-time images to an offsite video guard service that can then take immediate action.
Even if you have only made only minor upgrades, new signage offers the appearance of having updated your security systems which can help deter criminals. Additionally, regular inspections of your surveillance system can reveal problems that would otherwise leave your business vulnerable.
While occasionally just reviewing the recorded video may give you some peace of mind, it is recommended that you perform annual electronic and physical safety inspections to assess your current risks. From locks to doors to windows and even changes in the crime rate of the area, these safety checks can reveal vulnerabilities you may have overlooked in the past.
Technological Advancements in Security
If your surveillance system is more than five years old, it may be time to upgrade it to take advantage of the technological advancements that have occurred in the last few years. Updating cameras from analog to IP will offer clearer picture quality and potentially more coverage of the areas.
Around-the-clock cellular monitoring, combined with immediate text and push notifications through a connected security app, can not only alert you to the presence of intruders but can also provide you with detailed alerts of when employees arrive and depart from your business for the day.
New technology even eliminates the need for keys in secure or sensitive areas. Unlike physical keys, access control credentials cannot be copied as easily as a key, and they also restrict access to important technology, equipment, proprietary information, or private offices.
In the past, users would need to swipe their card, but advancements in technology have now made access control technology function with a simple tap or even when the credential comes within range of the receiver. Key Fobs that go on your key ring or even dime-sized wafers can be attached to the back of your cell phone for an easy and convenient way to carry your access credentials. Near Field Communication (NFC) is also an option that allows you to carry your cell phone as a credential to gain access.
In the long term, as thieves become more sophisticated, you will most likely begin to see two-step verification (using your phone as well as a credential to gain access). Biometrics have come a long way and will begin to replace many conventional readers because it’s one less credential users will need to carry.
Don’t Forget the People
The security of most businesses is only as good as the people who work there. It is important to not only encourage employees to look for potential threats but also to enforce visitor management to keep unwanted visitors from gaining access to sensitive areas. While your staff may provide an added level of security, it is also important to protect the employees.
Conducting regularly coordinated exit drills (fire/threat) or stay in place drills for situations where there is a threat allows employees to think through critical situations. Having these plans written and available is incredibly helpful to prepare for anything situation that might come up. By addressing the security of your employees, you are not only sending the message that their safety is important, but you are also protecting your business from liability should the unthinkable happen.
Upgrade Your System with the Pros
From basic upgrades to taking advantage of technological advances to helping manage your employees’ safety, improving the interior and exterior of your business security system may seem like a daunting task but our team is up to the task. Let the professionals at HS Tech Group walk you through your risks and help you improve your security system all within your established budget. Don’t wait for an incident to occur before updating your business security system, call us today for a consultation.
