The Recipe To A Secure Workplace: 5 Important Security Ingredients

Workplace security is a piece of cake once you have all the winning ingredients in place. From access controls to employee training, it’s important that you incorporate all of these security elements when protecting your premises.

Access control

First of all, consider how you will control access to your workplace. You need to restrict access to potential criminals and make sure only your most trusted employees have access to certain areas. If employees are going to be entering your workplace when you’re not there, you will need to give them keys. Alternatively, you could consider working with access control system suppliers to set up keycards or lanyard passes. You will also need to consider how you will control visitor access. This could include setting up an intercom at your entrance or reception desk, asking visitors to schedule appointments and escorting them around your workplace. 

Surveillance

Surveillance is another important ingredient. Setting up security cameras in key places can help you to not only capture evidence of criminal activity but deter criminals. Most companies will set up a security camera outside entrances. You can also set up cameras inside your workplace if you feel it is necessary, but make sure to notify your workers. Determine whether you want a security company to manage this video footage or whether you want 24/7 access to it. 

Alarms

Alarm systems are essential for reducing potential break-ins. These should be installed on all entrances around your property. Modern alarm systems can send an alert to your phone whenever they go off so that you’re immediately notified whenever someone tries to gain access. It may be possible to link up these alarm systems with cameras so that you can also remotely monitor your workplace when the alarm goes off. 

Cybersecurity

Security breaches aren’t always physical. Putting in place cybersecurity measures is important to fend off hackers. Make sure that you’re using security software on all your company machines and consider outsourcing managed IT security services to carry out network monitoring and provide secure cloud storage. Always use strong passwords and regularly change them to keep them secure (you can use a password manager to keep a secure record of all your passwords). Multi-factor authentication measures such as facial recognition or a one time passcode could provide an extra layer of security when logging into accounts and devices. 

Employee training

Your employees need to be trained to deal with security threats and to follow protocols in the event of a breach. While it’s possible to send your employees away on security courses, you will still need to establish security policies. Aspects of security that employees need training for include controlling visitor access, locking up and setting alarms, backing up data securely, using VPNs, detecting signs of phishing and potentially knowing how to react in the event of data breach such as a ransomware attack. As well as integrating this training into your onboarding process, consider creating a handbook that employees can follow to help remind them of security practices.