Top 6 Tips For Secure Workplaces

More than two-thirds of data and IT specialists aren’t that sure that their information defense systems would withstand a perimeter breach in their office. Gemalto’s Data Security and Confidence Index reported this for 2016, and it shows that there’s still more to be done in securing company information. Also, 27% of businesses shared that they experienced a break-in.

With this kind of scenario that data specialists and businesses are becoming part of, security always comes into play. Having proper protection is of utmost importance in every workplace to keep the employees and data safe. Security concerns caused by negligent employees, data breaches, and external threats, such as intruders, can be repelled when suitable security measures are in place.

Likewise, if you want to protect your office from data breaches, you can look for a technology solution to improve cyber security.

Altogether, there are tips that you can apply to reduce the possibility of criminal threats that could come to your workplace. And, if you want to know more, here are the top six tips that’ll help you establish the best courses of action to improve safety:

1. Secure Your Data

Data theft and other web threats do happen. These can be troubling, and, worse, can cause irreparable damage to many workplace environments. Therefore, it’s up to your business to keep its data more secure and far from the hands of online hackers.

There are ways to keep your data secure. The things that you can do are to encrypt data, back them up by having a copy in a USB or cloud, install anti-malware protection, have a strong password, and set up automatic software updates.

2. Have An Effective Access Control System

This is an essential tip for securing your workplace. Having a good access control system can provide the foundation for knowing who enters and exists your office. It can hinder someone from accessing sensitive areas, such as server rooms. 

A good number code in a combination door lock is a good idea. But, you can also use access cards or fobs to make sure the place won’t be easily accessed. Access cards are much better than traditional locks as they’re difficult to duplicate. It also makes things less complex in handing out access credentials remotely.

3. Install CCTV And Alarms

It’s true that adding and maintaining security systems are expensive for a small business, but the return on costs can be worthwhile. CCTVs and alarms help deter criminals from entering your work area. It can also make your employees feel secure.

A CCTV is effective because it can record any dangerous activity that bad guys can do if these individuals have never been intimidated by such cameras. Before installing CCTV cameras, you should note that they must be placed at key places that can make your company more susceptible to danger. 

Concerning alarms, you should choose a competent provider who’ll install and look out for them. The company should also have a verified security alarm system to verify falsely activated alarms from those triggered by unwanted activities. Lastly, these alarms must also be linked to a police response so that whenever it’s been activated by thieves, the police can immediately go to your workplace.

4. Have A Pre-Employment Screening Policy

Screening potential employees are something that a business must do during the hiring process. Also, doing background and reference checks can give a hiring manager more trust in the people who want to be a part of the company. There are reasons to screen individuals before they take job positions. Those reasons include preventing fraud, securing data, complying with legalities, and protecting your staff.

In terms of background checks, these include checking credit, possible criminal history, qualifications and education attainment, and potential drug use, tracing Social Security numbers, and even checking their socio-political beliefs. 

Likewise, you can use agencies that are experts at these types of investigations. You can also search them through social media or at Court Services Online if you want to know the possibility of someone having civil and criminal court documents. Altogether, these kinds of screening will help your employees and the business from potential dangers.

5. Employee Training

After screening upcoming employees, the next step is to train them concerning workplace security before doing their respective tasks. Training them regarding security measures has its benefits. Proper training of staff can protect your assets by making them aware of possible consequences resulting from mishandling data. Training can also prevent time loss that can happen due to harmful incidents by preparing them for such situations. And, last, it can create a security-focused culture in which security measures can become automatic for people.

Likewise, there are specific instructions that a company should teach employees. An extensive training program concerning security includes things such as:

• Protecting passwords
• Locking up documents
• Securing the establishment
• Safe handling and reporting of cash
• An accurate report of suspicious activity
• Knowing the procedures in the event of an evacuation
• Knowledge of the areas in which visitors aren’t allowed to trespass
• Knowing how to spot company visitor badges
• Proper instruction concerning confidentiality agreements and employee theft as part of business policy

6. Identification Badges For Employees

One way to quickly identify who comes in and out of business premises is to introduce badges to your employees. Badges can be an efficient tool as the staff can quickly sign in and out of the workstation by swiping the ID card into a visitor management terminal.

There are also advantages that an ID badge can offer besides having security. Badges can add accountability for employees by allowing you to track the duration of their daily jobs and the time they checked in and out of the office. An ID with a company logo that all the staff can put on can also increase connection and teamwork. And, last, it can boost the staff’s confidence by giving them a sense of identity within the company.

Summing Up

Security is crucial in keeping the work environment and its data safer. You can reduce security concerns resulting from data breaches, external threats, and careless employees by having proper security measures. Likewise, there are concrete steps that you can take to ensure that such security measures can become part of your work environment. Those steps are to have an effective access control system, proper installation of CCTVs and alarms, proper screening of applicants, adequate protection of data, employee training concerning security of the workplace, and the use of badges for employees.