7 Tips for Optimized Office Security

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Although burglary rates are going down in the US, there are still about 2.5 million burglaries every year. Don't be deceived by the fact that there's a decline- security measures are still as important as ever, and even more so in the workplace.

If you're like most people who work in an office, there are important company documents you're protecting in addition to thousands of dollars of electronics. Computers, printers, copiers... you name it. All this equipment is pricey and will make a huge financial dent if stolen.

Luckily, there are measures that can be taken to prevent against theft! Here, we're going to tell you seven ways that you can increase office security, not only in your physical space but also online.


Physical Security

Everyone likes to feel safe in the office. This means that surveillance is essential to the working environment. Not only will it hold employees accountable during workday hours, but it will also catch anyone breaking in at any time. Here, we're going to talk about how you can monitor your office!


1. Make Sure Cameras Are Everywhere

By everywhere, we mean everywhere, including in parking lots, courtyards, and anywhere else on company property. The only place you want to avoid is bathroom stalls. Besides that, cameras should overlook everything.

This isn't to spy on your employees, though security footage can in some cases be run to determine the legitimacy of complaints any employee files to HR. These cameras will help determine if there are any unauthorized people on company property, meaning that if anything happens, you'll be able to see who was there.


2. Install Hidden Spy Cameras

One kind of camera that can really benefit your office space is hidden spy cameras. You can't be at your office 24/7, and having these cameras (and telling your employees about them) can help everyone in the workplace feel more secure.

Hidden spy cameras also help to prevent lawsuits against your company. Because you can sue for pretty much anything nowadays, it's a good idea to have backed-up security tapes that you can use to defend yourself in any court you may find yourself in.


3. Lock Up Important Documents

In most offices, there are hard copies of important documents. Many contain either confidential company information or financial information such as credit card numbers. Sometimes there are even employee records that have their social security numbers on them.

In any case, the loss of these documents is something you need to actively work against. Get a safe and set a secure password. You won't regret it.


4. Password Protect After Hours

Passwords aren't only for safes, though! There's no reason anyone should be coming into your office after hours (unless they're specifically supposed to be there.) While it isn't a fail-safe, installing a password protecting lock on your office doors and switching it on after hours is a huge deterrent for robbers.


Computer Security

Another important place that you're going to want to secure information is on your computers. No matter how well you secure the physical space you work in, hackers can still get into your computer systems and steal your data... unless you take precautions.

Read on to learn what you can do to stop security breaches!


5. Install Antivirus Software

Installing antivirus software is a great first step to making sure that your office's digital information is secure. Unfortunately, skilled hackers may want to get data from your company because they know it contains a trove of confidential information about your employees. This is why it's important to fight proactively against viruses.

There are lots of different types of software out there that can secure your data. Viruses can also wipe your hard drives clean, so make sure that you're on top of your cybersecurity!


6. Back-Up Relevant Information

Speaking of the possibility of your computers being wiped clean, another security measure you can take is to back up all relevant information that's stored in your company machines. Because it's likely that you have security codes and locked files in these computers, you don't want everything to be lost if disaster strikes.

You can back up computer information to a variety of places. From the cloud to other hard drives, you're sure to find something that works for you. The important thing is to make sure that all the important documents exist in more than one place... ideally in more than one place where a breach wouldn't reach both.


7. Manage Employee Computer Use

Sometimes hackers and viruses get into computers through certain websites. This is especially the case with pop-up ads, but it can also happen when people go to sites that use a lot of cookies or download data onto a computer. While people will naturally do some of these things online, there are still preventative measures you can take.

Consider installing website blockers on company computers. These blockers can prevent pop-up ads from appearing. They can also stop your employees from visiting certain web pages that you know carry the risk or data corruption.


Increase Your Office Security

It's totally fair to be worried about the possibility of an office break-in, but it's important to channel this concern into action. By installing cameras to the ceiling, monitoring software to the computers, and having a well-trained security personnel from Centre for Security Training and Management Inc., you'll be able to safely say that you did all you could to protect against burglars.

Now that you know how to increase office security, check out the 'consultations' tab on our page to book one with us. We'll help you take the steps you need to make sure that your workplace is as safe and secure as it can be.

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