There’s a big difference between a corporate office and a home office. If you’re just getting started with a new business, working from home could help you circumvent rent costs and travel expenses. There’s also tremendous freedom in being able to work from where you live.
However, just because you’re at home doesn’t mean your business doesn’t need corporate-level security. Data theft, burglaries, and employee misconduct are all too common even when you work from your residence. Here’s what you should do to protect your home office.
1. Secure Your Premises
Go one step beyond residential security systems. Since you work from home your business needs tighter security. Install a top-notch surveillance system, motion detectors, perimeter sensors, and alarms. You might need cameras in the most vulnerable parts of your home and office.
2. Conduct a Review
Mimic the security review you would expect at a large corporation. Make a checklist of all the possible vulnerabilities in the house and try to secure them individually. Redo this every year to make sure you haven’t missed any corners.
3. Train Your Staff
If you have staff or employees working at your home office, it makes sense to keep them up-to-date with all the latest security features you’ve installed. Hire someone or conduct a short office security training session yourself. Often, the biggest security threat your business faces could be prevented by well-trained staff. People are the biggest vulnerability any business has, so make sure you conduct security reviews often and keep your employees updated with the latest tips and tricks to better protect the business.
4. Monitor Your Staff
You double the risk of employee theft and malpractice when you let them work from your home. Make sure you do a background check on everyone you hire, ask for police clearance certificates, and set up a surveillance camera in the office at home.
5. Keep Customer Data Secure
Get the latest security software for all your office computers and make sure your staff is trained to identify and report phishing attempts.
6. Shred Paper Waste
It’s your responsibility to protect your business and customer data. Make sure all work-related papers are promptly shredded when you’re done with them.
7. Get Content Insurance
Buy an insurance plan that covers everything in your house.
8. Seek Advice
If you’re just getting started, speak to a security expert at the local police station or city council. They may be able to help you with the latest data on thefts in your area or new security techniques to protect your business. Also, make sure you get all the necessary contact details for when you need urgent help.
Running a business from home can be liberating. There are genuine advantages of working from home, but don’t neglect your responsibilities as a business-owner and homeowner. Keep your staff, customers, and family safe by following these 8 simple tips.
