Nowadays, one of the biggest threats businesses face comes from the online world and is also known as cybercrime. However, this doesn’t mean that threats in the physical world don’t exist anymore.
In reality, the cybercrime layer is just another thing you have to worry about when trying to keep your data and investment, employees, business partners, and customers safe. Ask any security system expert and they’ll tell you that good protection is multilayered and starts from the ground up.
So you first have to worry about physical security systems and then move on to cybersecurity ones. Both require quite a bit of investment, which is why small businesses and startups should include such systems in their initial business plan and work on them in steps.
If you are just starting and want to know more about the best physical security systems to have in your workplace, here are some of the most common ones:
1. Access Control
The number one rule of good security protocol is “Don't allow anyone to enter your premises”. Of course, this only works if you are a business that doesn’t work with the public in a face-to-face fashion.
Still, even if you own a brick-and-mortar store, this doesn’t mean you would allow customers to see the storage and administrative areas. Plus, not everyone needs to see your files and data (such as financial statements, invoices, payroll, or contracts with suppliers).
To limit access to important files and data, use special locks that require a card swipe or a code to open. This way, you can work with different levels of access, so only people with the right credentials can enter the server room or open the accounting file cabinet.
2. Use Strong Magnetic Locks Designed for Commercial Doors
Sadly, there is always the risk of burglars and other ill-intended actors invading the privacy of your business via a point of access such as windows or doors. That’s why it’s important to reinforce all the access points and use strong locks that cannot be tampered with.
Magnetic locks (also known as maglocks) use an electromagnet to generate a strong magnetic force that locks the door in place until you open it using the correct key. Without a key, the door won’t budge regardless of external forces that are being applied (in case of vandalism or brute force attacks). Plus, you can bundle a maglock with motion detectors and keypads to get notified when someone tries to force their way through.
Also, this type of lock can be installed easily and is quite affordable. For more, check out maglocks on this page and find the one that suits your needs.
3. Surveillance & Lighting Systems
Burglars don’t want to be seen and will often avoid buildings and offices that are well-lit and have surveillance systems in place.
However, keeping the lights on day and night is not good for your budget or the environment. True, you can use LED lights to reduce consumption, but there’s a better way – motion-sensing lights! These are lights that only turn on during the night when they detect motion in their field of view.
Plus, if you install security cameras where the lights are, it’s clear that anyone passing by will be recorded without being able to hide in the dark. Of course, you should also have security cameras installed indoors, in the access areas, and wherever you need to keep track of who comes and goes.
Stay Safe & Focus on Growth
While it’s a bit of an investment, access control, better locks, motion sensors, and surveillance systems are a must-have in a workplace. After all, you never know where the threat comes from, so it’s best to stay vigilant in order to avoid any trouble and be able to stay focused on growth.
