Today, there are more than one million home based businesses being operated in Australia. With more people realizing the benefits of working from home, this number continues to increase.
If you are a home-based business owner, you may not be sure what type of security and protection you need in place. Are residential security systems Melbourne offers enough, or do you need a commercial solution as well?
Here you can learn about the types of security solutions that are right for your home-based business, as well as how they can safeguard what you are working so hard to build.
Opt for a Small Business Security System
When you have a home-based business, the total amount of security you need is also going to increase. If you want to ensure your business is protected, including the valuables in your home, you need to consider a system that goes beyond just typical residential security.
Some of the features of the security system include burglar alarms, fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, water detectors, a basic intercom system, IP surveillance cameras, and the ability to remotely access the system from a smart device.
These are the features that will help ensure your home and your business remain protected.
Secure Your Information and Data
If you run a business at home, there’s a good chance that you have a bit of critical information that has to be protected to make sure you maintain your business integrity. Regardless of if the data you have includes credit card information, medical information or something else, you have to take the proper security measures to help ensure it is protected.
According to the guide for securing personal information in Australia, you should take several precautions to help ensure the critical, sensitive information you have is not hacked. These precautions include:
- Installing malware and antivirus software and a firewall
- Encrypt your sensitive data and WiFi connections
- Use strong passwords
- Make sure you always back up your physical files
- Have “best practices” in place for off-site employees
You should also think about hosting your home devices and business equipment on different networks. If one of the networks is hacked, then at least the attackers won’t be able to access both your personal and business information.
Understand What Your Insurance Policies Will and Won’t Cover
When you are operating a home-based business, you may not know what differentiates your business insurance from your homeowner’s insurance. While there are some homeowner’s policies that may cover business equipment, today, most aren’t going to cover things like liability, income or provide protection for lost data.
If you aren’t sure you need extra protection and coverage for your business, then it’s a good idea to work with a professional in the insurance industry to ensure that your needs are fully covered. When making this consideration, it’s also a good idea to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you have employees? If so, how many?
- How much are your business’s assets worth?
- Is the location of your home at a higher risk for a robbery or theft?
- What percentage of the time do you work from your home versus a remote location, such as a coffee shop or client’s house?
- Do you store your business data on- or off-site?
- Do you have employees or clients who visit your home often?
By considering these questions, you can figure out the type and amount of insurance coverage you need for your home-based business.
Remember, protecting your business and your home can be tricky. However, with the tips here, you will have the high level of security needed. As well as peace of mind that your assets are safe.
