4 Ways To Protect Your Business From Crime

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For any business owner, one of their biggest fears is being targeted by criminals. Whether it’s theft of stock, theft of data, a cyber attack or an assault on their staff, business crime can be costly not only financially, but also physically, emotionally. So how can you prepare your business and limit the risk you face in a world where criminals are continuously looking for new ways to attack?

 

1. Carry out a risk assessment
   The very first thing you will need to do in order to protect your business is to carry out a thorough risk assessment on your current security status. Which areas are vulnerable to attack? What assets do you have that may be appealing to criminals? What measures do you already have in place and what measures could you implement to better protect yourself? A risk assessment will provide you with a base to move forward from and should be carried out regularly to account for the fact that crime changes. 

2. Verify employees
   Verify your employees employment history and perform background checks if necessary to protect both your business and other members of staff from internal threats. Always exercise caution when handing out passwords or other confidential information even to long standing staff members as if put into the wrong hands this information could be used against you. Ensure that your company has a clear policy on theft and circulate this amongst your staff so that they are aware that action will be taken.

3. Protect your premises
   Window locks, strengthened doors, security lights, CCTV and alarm systems can all deter criminals from targeting your premises. These measures, or lack of, should have been highlighted in your risk assessment, if you see a gap in your premises security then it’s time to take action and rectify this. Although some of these systems may incur an additional cost to your business they could result in a reduction of your insurance premiums and will save you money in the long run as well as give you peace of mind.

4. Secure your IT systems
   If staff members have access to company equipment out of the office or if they work remotely then be sure to tag laptops and record serial numbers and perform regular inventory checks. To protect expensive equipment in the office itself, you could even consider securing them to the wall or floor. As well as protecting yourself from the physical theft of your IT systems you will also want to look at how you will protect yourself from cyber crime. Cyber crime is one of the fastest growing security threats in the United States and can have a devastating impact on both a business and their customers. Whether you hold sensitive data or not, cyber criminals will find a way to use your online information against you, to mitigate this risk consider hiring an expert who can offer you proactive network support and be sure to regularly update your system security. 

 

Sadly, all the time there is value to be gained business crime will always exist, but by putting security measures in place and by taking a proactive approach you will be doing the best you can to mitigate your chances of being targeted. And remember, to stay ahead of the criminals your security should be treated as a continuously evolving process.

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