Intro
While the world still recovering after the COVID-19 pandemic and people are back at the office, enterprises use this opportunity to update their security procedures and policies. Since many enterprises now adopt a hybrid model, a mix of teleworking and office-based work, risks will appear from both physical and digital sides. In order to protect your business, discover below some of the security-effective practices you should consider implementing in 2023.
1. Get your door access control system up to date
Security first! Making it safe starts from the front door. If you do not have a door access system, you need to consider adding one as soon as possible. But if you already have it, it is probably time for a refresh.
By evaluating the optimal access control system for your office space, an important choice you need to make is installing an on-site access control system or cloud-based software. According to OpenPath door access control experts, the majority of legacy access control providers use an on-site server, taking up physical space in their facility and requiring on-site maintenance. It could be especially challenging in a hybrid office, where staff may not always be around to greet maintenance people, cloud-based management platforms may be a better choice.
To quote OpenPath, “Cloud-based management platforms are preferred by most companies because they offer more flexibility and convenience”.This software enables you to make changes to door schedules and employee credentials, as well as check system status from any location. In addition, deployment, maintenance, and updates can usually be done online.
According to OpenPath, here are the features you should look at while choosing a door access system:
- Live data and alerts, that allow you to know what’s happening in your building right when it happens
- Advanced reporting and audit trails in case of a security incident
- Mobile-optimised custom dashboards
- Remote management, which is particularly useful when operating multiple locations
- Lock function in case of emergency situations
- Touchless access is not only convenient but also a way to boost post-pandemic workplace safety
- Embedded video for extra security
2. Secure your business against identity theft
Not only individuals but also businesses are affected by identity fraud. As Experian reports, “Business identity theft and fraud losses cost American companies billions of dollars each year. Both can negatively impact cash flow, cause problems with creditors and suppliers, and even damage your business’s reputation.”
In their article “Here’s how to know if your identity has been stolen,” the author details the 3 most common methods of identity theft:
Phishing attacks
Phishing is a type of social engineering attack involving spam emails, text messages, and calls from supposedly established websites, financial institutions, or government agencies asking you to “confirm your identity” by, for example, revealing your social security number.
Physical theft
Someone stealing your driver’s license or social security card could easily steal your identity and obtain your bank account or credit card information.
Privacy policy
Hackers are able to break into a company’s database to steal data such as passwords, credit card information, and social security numbers.
The data breach threat is particularly high in the post-pandemic world as many businesses have adopted hybrid business models. Nate Need, CEO of DEV.co and SEO.co, has some thoughts on how to prevent a data breach:
Limit data access by restricting the number of people that can access the information or by setting a policy that does not allow the collection of certain types of data, such as credit card information.
Upgrade general security by using firewall techniques, VPNs, and regular updates.
Get your employees trained on common threats and the most effective practices for data security. Finally, do not forget that 88% of breaches can be attributed to human error.
Review and evaluate. The more your business grows and new hacking techniques are developed by cybercriminals, the more your data security practices should improve.
3. Employ security agents
Sometimes security locks and doors are not sufficient, and your business might require an additional level of protection. This is when hiring security guards makes sense. No matter if you’re a food store, operate a call center, or manage a traditional office space – in all these situations, security guards can prevent malicious acts just by their presence here.
Security guards keep an eye out for and report suspicious activity. In the event of an incident, they are there to react immediately. Moreover, the security staff’s presence can grant peace of mind to the employees, ensuring that things are always under surveillance. Optionally, as a bonus, in the post-pandemic workplace, security guards can also help apply COVID-19 requirements for wearing masks and social distancing, as well as other safety requirements.
4. Regular security training courses
As per the MediaPro 2020 State of Privacy and Security Awareness Report:
- 43% of workers are not aware of the fact that clicking on a strange link or opening an unknown email attachment is likely to lead to a malware infection
- 55% of employees are sure that it is safe to connect their devices to a public WiFi network
- Over 25% of staff believe it is fine to use a personal cloud server to transfer work files or documents, as long as they run a virus scan before uploading files
An increasing number of employees work from home remotely or already have adopted a hybrid work schedule, which increases the probability of cybersecurity concerns. The simplest way to minimise these risks is to implement employee security education training, updated at least annually to include the latest cybersecurity risks.
Besides educating staff on cybersecurity best practices, ensure that the training covers your company’s general security policies, such as document-sharing practices.
Such security training courses can also be used as a way for employees to provide feedback to management. Ask your employees if they notice any gaps or weaknesses and encourage them to ask questions. Remind them that each and every employee is responsible for keeping the workplace safe.
The evolution of security practices is constant
Both physical and digital security risks are constantly evolving as scammers, thieves, and cybercriminals come up with new techniques and methods. When implementing the above security practices, please remember that protecting your business involves constant monitoring and re-evaluation to ensure the safety of your information, staff, customers, and assets.
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