Safety always matters, especially when it comes to the workplace. Strong office security is key to protecting your office environment, employees, and data. While it’s a good idea to invest in sufficient security measures, those measures work best when security is a team effort. Safety in the office is everyone’s concern, so take steps to include your employees and let them play a part in creating a more secure work environment. Here’s a list of great office security tips to help keep your workplace a safe one.
- Secure access to the office A secure access control system is one of the most critical factors in maintaining a safe work environment. Unauthorized personnel should not have access to secure locations and information, so take steps to limit access to those areas. It can help to invest in new systems, like automated control panels to limit access until employees need it, to make sensitive areas around the office safer.
These systems also make it easier to access information, allowing you to monitor restricted areas at all times. Consider offering branded visitor passes with a guest’s photo to make it easier to identify and verify authorized visitors. Make sure employees are trained to identify the proper signs of a visitor’s pass to prevent counterfeiting and restrict access to sensitive office spaces from unauthorized visitors.
- Provide employee trainingWhen it comes to security and safety in the office, employee participation is critical. Whether it’s training to operate work-related machinery or to know what to do in case of emergency, it’s vital your employees stay up-to-date on security procedures and protocols. Make sure your employees know how to properly lock up documents, protect passwords, and secure the building. First-aid training is another skill that may turn out to be useful in an emergency.
Another thing to take note of is how to verify identities. It’s critical employees be able to verify if individuals are who they say they are (e.g. a government inspector) by checking for IDs and other documentation. Moreover, make sure you have annual refresher courses for employees. Regular drills and training are a great way to make sure employees retain that information and keep themselves up-to-date with the latest information.
- Invest in cybersecurityIn today’s connected world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Beef up your cybersecurity to prevent malware from gaining access to sensitive data that could compromise your business. Investing in dedicated IT support can go a long way toward keeping your systems secure. While you’re at it, update company policy to ensure employees do their part in securing sensitive company information. Some good examples include storing company badges and key cards in secure locations, or locking laptop screens whenever employees need to step away.
As you invest in cybersecurity, it also pays to think about securing the hardware. Laptops are a common target for burglars, but a laptop lock can help keep it secure. Laptop locks are cables that attach your laptop to a secure, non-moveable object (like a table bolted to the floor). They’re a simple, cost-effective, and easily portable option to secure your high-value portable equipment.
- Consider backups for all dataOne more concern than protecting your data from malicious intrusion and theft is ensuring you maintain up-to-date backups. Any successful business needs a solid backup system to keep those business assets secure. In case of accidental loss or damage, it pays to keep backups of your sensitive information so you can get it back right away.
A good rule of thumb for creating a serviceable backup is using the 3-2-1 rule. Have 3 copies of your data, on at least 2 devices, with one of those devices in an off-site location. The 3-2-1 rule is a good place to start, but it’s also prudent to go the extra mile protecting your information. Consider investing in external hard drives to store your documents, or try cloud storage options. Many backup options allow you to automatically update files to ensure they stay up-to-date as time goes on.
- Label all office equipmentOne great way to prevent theft or loss of important office equipment is labelling everything. For additional ease of identification, make sure the tags carry the company logo and a unique inventory identifier. While you’re at it, you can also cross-reference the labelled equipment with your inventory to make it easier to keep track of everything. Always make sure the inventory also stays up-to-date.
A clear list of all your assets is also a great way to keep tabs on your business equipment and hold employees accountable when using them (moreso in case of losses). This kind of tracking may sound simple, but it’s also an effective measure to prevent incidents and keep track of the tools you need to carry out your work.
- Use effective lightingGood lighting is a great way to deter criminals, both at home and at work. Most burglaries happen when it’s dark, but effective lighting helps reduce blind spots potential burglars may use to avoid detection. It’s also an effective means of ensuring anyone inside the building can still see outside when it’s dark, making it easier to spot incoming intruders.
Motion-sensitive lights are a powerful and cost-effective measure for keeping the premises secure. These lights are designed to activate when something comes into the vicinity, which can help surprise intruders when they least expect it. Effective lighting also works to protect other areas, like the carpark. Carparks are isolated and often poorly-lit, so consider investing in more powerful lighting to discourage auto theft and other incidents.
- Install CCTV and alarm systemsTo many, CCTVs are more commonly associated with solving crimes rather than preventing them. However, visible cameras can also work as deterrents, possibly scaring off intruders rather than risk being recorded. In case of any suspicious activity, you can also use the video as evidence for investigators or to patch holes in your defences.
To amplify security, set up cameras in less obvious areas (like back alleys, garages, and other corridors) in addition to the main office spaces. Aside from CCTVs, alarm systems are another great security investment. They can automatically detect perimeter breaches, and contact law enforcement or your security company. From there, they can deal with the security breach efficiently and professionally, giving you the ability to respond immediately to intrusions.
When it comes to meeting your safety and security needs, it helps to have security personnel you can trust to be professional and reliable. At the Centre for Security Training & Management Inc., we pride ourselves on offering quality security training to produce the trustworthy security personnel you need. Give us a call at (416) 750-4747 or email us at info@centreforsecurity.com to get in touch.