In-office security is one of the most crucial components of safeguarding, but it’s often overlooked by many. When leaving your house, you lock your door, close the garage doors, maybe even set an alarm—precautionary measures done without a second thought. However, this behavior is not reflected with the same level of diligence or care in the work environment, despite being equally if not more important.
When many people think about “in-office security,” they often consider front-desk or cyber security. However, in-office security branches far past these aspects and encompasses a much broader and more holistic approach. It involves a comprehensive blend of physical security, access control, employee training, data protection, and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety and confidentiality of both personnel and sensitive information.
Ensuring your employees understand the full scope of in-office security is essential to maintaining a secure and productive workplace. Follow along this blog post to learn about the best strategies for protecting your office:
1. Security Cameras & Surveillance
Strategically placing security cameras throughout the office is perhaps the most effective method for mitigating your chance of a breach. Cameras can help deter any potential inside or outside threats, as well as discourage any additional security breaches. Additionally, security cameras are critical evidence to aid your defense in the case of a security breach. Lastly, they are overall a great source to help track inflow and outflows on a daily basis.
2. Alarm Systems
Installing alarm systems with motion detectors and door/window sensors alerts security personnel and law enforcement in case of unauthorized access or suspicious activity. Not to mention, a majority of burglars will run for the hills as soon as an alarm starts to go off. Alarm systems are your best protection when you aren’t around to stop anything.
3. Access Control Badges
Implementing access control badges helps restrict unauthorized entry, ensuring only employees with clearance can access sensitive areas. Now, features like this may sound insanely expensive, but access control is not limited to personal keycards that pair to an automated doorway. Access control can be as simple as an app on your phone, or even just a code at the door that employees must type in. The measure is relatively cheap, not time consuming for employees, and a solid extra layer of precaution.
4. Cybersecurity Measures
There are many measures to be taken to prevent cybersecurity breaches. We discussed all these issues in our Executive Guide to Cybersecurity, which you can find at the bottom of our website’s homepage.
5. Emergency Plans
Develop and communicate clear emergency response plans to employees, including evacuation procedures and crisis communication protocols. These could be plans for handling natural disasters or threats such as intruders. Create step-by-step plans so that all employees are readily prepared for unexpected circumstances.
6. House Security
One of the best ways to identify vulnerabilities and address them promptly is by conducting periodic security assessments. To secure your physical equipment, use cable locks and security brackets to secure laptops, computers, and other in-house valuables. Additionally, to protect sensitive data, keep your physical files in secure cabinets/safes.
7. Secure Document Disposal
When disposing of physical documents and sensitive data, ensure proper disposal by using paper shredders. This measure will significantly decrease the likelihood of a data leak or identity theft. When disposing of electronic devices, ensure data is thoroughly wiped by using specialized software or physically destroy the storage media to prevent data recovery.
8. Background Checks
Background checks are an essential part of the hiring process, especially when seeking to protect your office from potential security risks. Conducting thorough background checks can help you make informed hiring decisions and reduce the likelihood of hiring individuals with a history of criminal behavior or other red flags.
By implementing a combination of these methods, you can create a safer and more secure environment for your office and its employees. Remember that security is an ongoing process, so continuously review and update your security measures to adapt to new threats and technologies.
