Owning a small business is truly a full-time job. Between supervising your staff members, keeping your clients happy, and making sure all your invoices get paid, it’s difficult to even leave your office. And what happens once you do leave? Leaving your business overnight serves up a whole new set of problems! A recent study found that well over 50% of business owners express concern about the security of their companies. Here are a few ways to protect your business.
Secure Wi-Fi Networks
Make sure there are limited points of entry to protect your company data as well as to keep your customer data safe. Set up firewalls. Keep backups of data offsite in case you’re hacked so you can back up your data and get up and running again quickly. Limit access to your data to only essential people.
Security Systems
When it comes to the overall safety and security of your business, there is no better way than installing security camera systems. Placing security cameras throughout a business can help prevent crimes such as vandalism and theft as well as break-ins. According to recent retail industry studies, the average small business loses $50k per year. Companies lose an estimated $400 billion per year due to theft, according to Employee Theft Solutions. When security cameras are appropriately placed around your business, they can help deter potential burglars.
Passwords and Authentication
Two-factor authentication, also called multi-factor authentication or two-step verification, is a security feature that protects your organization by providing a second, randomly generated password sent to a separate device. Two-step verification functions as a second password but with more control and security features than standard log-in credentials. Two-factor authentication operates in a way that lets you designate levels of access for your staff. It can be aligned with the type of access you want each role to have. For example, you can set it up so that anyone trying to access email from outside your building is instantly blocked if they do not have two-factor authentication turned on and be in possession of the device that generates codes.
Back-Up Documents
The first step in creating a well-executed backup strategy is to determine what actually needs to be backed up. You may think this is an easy step, but if you have employees, you’ll be amazed to find out how they store data. If you haven’t taken the time to develop a disaster recovery plan, you should make it a top priority and create one right now. A disaster recovery plan outlines the steps required in case a disaster strikes. As you’re developing your plan, you’ll find weaknesses in your current infrastructure.
