What are the security mistakes businesses should avoid?

Is your business guilty of common security mistakes? Regardless of whether it is or not, security is something most people are concerned about. If you’re looking into security for the first time, it’s important to understand what exactly is at stake. Make an informed choice so you can protect your business from possible threats.

There’s a lack of security awareness – making people either unaware or careless when it comes to security matters. Therefore it’s important you understand your individual business vulnerabilities to avoid some common business security mistakes.

If a lot of break-ins and thefts occurs at your business, it’ll increase your monthly insurance payment. The more break-ins and crimes on your premises, the more you’ll pay for insurance. Therefore, you have to avoid common security mistakes. Here are a list of common security mistakes to consider and avoid.

Hire the right security company

At times, it’s difficult to find qualified security companies, even when there are several security companies available. Contracting the wrong security company without putting in time to check references and perform background checks can have a negative impact on your company. So how do you avoid this mistake? Start by getting the right security company. Check for references from other users who make use of the same security personnel. Ask how their experiences have been with their security provider. Also check whether the security company has a qualified security control room operator. Then perform background checks to know how long the company has been in the security business and what their experiences are.

Identify security needs

Your business is going to have unique security needs that a blanket solution won’t cover. Failing to assess and identify your business’ unique security needs poses the risk of contracting the wrong security company. To avoid this, it’s important that you get an assessment and customised security plan that fits your exact needs.

Have a screening policy

You must implement a hiring screening policy. This poses a huge security risk whereby your business isn’t protected from employee theft. This can have a negative impact on your business. So, avoiding this mistake requires the implementation of a screening policy that includes criminal records and reference checks. As well as asking for their copies of any relevant certifications or credentials.

Secure all access points

Your business has more than one entrance and exit. Failing to secure all these entrances, including emergency exits, poses a huge security risk. The risk is that unauthorised individuals will gain access to authorised areas. And avoiding this risk requires that you ensure that all access points are secured, controlled and fitted with the best security systems with fewer active entrances. Because the fewer active access points you have, the more secure your business will be.

Take security matters seriously

Security risk doesn’t feel real until you have a loss. When you don’t take the security issues of your business seriously, it could create a larger burden for your business. So, don’t wait until you have an emergency to staff the right security team. And ensure that all business security risks are taken care of.

Maintain security systems

The mistake of not maintaining your business security systems can pose a huge risk. To avoid this, be sure to check your security systems periodically to make sure it’s in working order. You should also have it checked by a professional every year. If it’s not working right, then it’s just a huge waste of money.

Secure important areas

Providing security to the entire business is essential. But, neglecting to provide extra security to areas puts your business data and confidential information at risk. To avoid this common business security mistake, endeavour to secure these sensitive areas by installing biometrics access systems together with security video systems for the deterrent of theft.

Use a verified security system

The only way to avoid this risk and secure your business is to use a verified monitoring system. This is to ensure when an actual break-in is taking place, an alarm is sent to the integrated monitoring system, which then immediately contacts the police.

Enforce ID requirements

You have to enforce ID and badge requirements. These two items are effective when it comes to controlling access points. As much as it may be tempting to let higher management get into the building without their badge, resist the temptation to do so since it undermines the integrity of the programme in place. Always ensure that you follow the badge and ID programme to keep your business safe and secure.

No one is above mistakes, no doubt. But identifying the above common business security mistakes and creating the necessary steps in fixing them, will avoid a large number of problems that may occur in your business. As organisations change and grow, so should their security as well. Businesses that don’t prioritise their security are making a big mistake that will cost them a lot of money.