4 effective strategies for improving business security and access control

Enhancing security around your business requires a combination of vigilant leaders and cutting-edge technology.

While cash flow, profitability, and customer service all play a pivotal role in business success, proper security is the foundation that keeps everything stable and upright.

Ask yourself when you last considered your business’s security. Then, try these effective strategies to adapt and improve.

Limit Building and Area Access

One of the best ways to enhance your business security is by limiting building and area access. While having a security officer or team in place is beneficial, having the right tools on your side takes your security to the next level. 

Using access cards is an effective way to limit the flow of people into and throughout your building. However, it’s not enough to ensure your premises are truly secure.

According to the security experts at Genetec, makers of the Synergis access control system, legacy access systems leave a lot to be desired. As many modernized businesses are reevaluating centralization and streamlined systems, it’s sensible to do the same for security.

Large businesses should consider implementing a system that offers CCTV, premises mapping, facial recognition, vehicle recognition, and tracking.

It’s also integral to create access controls within the building — there’s no reason for general employees to access the server room or production floor on their own accord, for example.

Limit File Access

While building access control systems may not be a concern for smaller enterprises and startups, file access should be a top priority for businesses of all sizes.

According to Verizon’s 2021 Data Breach Investigations Report, 85% of data breaches were related to human error. This is a significant jump from the 45% in 2019, likely in relation to the global pandemic.

Experts surmise that the overnight shift to a work-from-home environment left many small businesses at risk of cyberattacks and data loss. 

There’s also a common misconception that only large businesses should worry about cybersecurity and data breaches. In reality, more than half of cyber attacks and catastrophic data losses occur at small businesses.

According to a study conducted by the University of Texas, more than 94% of companies that experience a catastrophic data loss go out of business within two years.

Secure your business by implementing the core infrastructure of cybersecurity: firewalls, malware protection, closed networks, and limited file access.

The latter, in particular, protects the company from the employee who mistakenly deletes an important file or accesses information for nefarious purposes.

Educate Your Team

As employee error plays a significant role in security, it’s integral to incorporate security training into your company culture. Many employees are unaware of the severity of opening a suspicious link or deleting an archived file.

It’s human nature to grow complacent with passwords and access cards. The only solution is shared values and engagement.

Take the time to train and explain. Offer education regarding what to look for and who to address with security concerns.

Explain the severity of the situation in relatable terms — i.e., putting business security at risk puts job security at risk. Create a positive reward system that encourages employees to stay vigilant and help the cause.

Prioritize Regular Audits

As technology evolves so rapidly, what works today may be ineffective tomorrow. It’s important to regularly revisit your security measures — physical and otherwise — to determine whether there are gaps to be addressed or opportunities for improvement.

Be on the outlook for innovations in security-related technology, and determine whether it’s worth investigating for your business.

It’s also wise to consider seasonal and environmental impacts on security. Having an offsite data backup server ensures your data is protected if an unprecedented natural disaster hits.

Altering your security practices and tool settings to account for seasonal weather and daylight changes will also help you stay secure.

With these practical strategies and the right technology, you can ensure the longevity and security of your business.

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