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What do you think about when you hear the word “security”? Do you picture burly men with guns and vests, a high tower filled with locked rooms, or maybe a tiny hut with a fence? How about images of locking up at night? Does it conjure up thoughts of prison or Fort Knox?
Security is generally thought of as protecting people from danger and risk—something that keeps malicious people out while keeping good people in. Small businesses need security in several different forms.
Physical Security
Physical security encompasses everything in contact with the building, the parking lot, and the sidewalks around your facility. It includes a clean, well-maintained building, appropriate signage, adequate lighting, and good landscaping.
Physical security also means having a monitored security solution like Verisure's. A monitored security system can include everything from security cameras, panic alarms, shock sensors, video doorbells, and much more, allowing you to keep your property safe during and outside working hours. On top of a monitored security system, bigger businesses, or those who work on more significant sites, may also want to invest in a receptionist or security guard who screens visitors and keeps a log of who comes and goes. This will help you create a record of who has been in your building and make it harder for people who shouldn’t be there to gain access.
Network Security
When you have computers or other devices on a network, you have a greater risk of hackers breaking in. Therefore, network security should be a top priority for any business that shares a network between multiple computers. Network security includes things like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption.
However, there are several other types of network security measures that businesses should consider. One important aspect is access control, which ensures that only authorized individuals can access sensitive information or systems. This can be achieved through authentication methods like passwords, biometrics, or smart cards. Another vital component is intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), which monitor network traffic and alert administrators to potential threats or attempts to breach the network.
Implementing robust network security measures can significantly benefit businesses by protecting their intellectual property, customer data, and reputation. It can also prevent costly data breaches and service disruptions, ultimately enhancing customer trust and ensuring business continuity. To effectively implement and maintain network security, businesses often seek assistance from vendors similar to this refurbished Cisco product vendor who can offer a wide range of products and services like switches, cables, and drives to ensure that businesses stay ahead of different threats.
Online Security
Online security involves protecting your reputation and the integrity of your website. Online security includes safeguarding your website from malicious software and ensuring your website is hosted on a secure server. It’s also vital to protect your company email address and all social media accounts from being hacked.
This can be as simple as getting a dedicated email address for your business and regularly changing the passwords for your social media accounts.
Data Security
Data security is about protecting both your physical and electronic data. It is critical to protect sensitive data stored both on-site and off-site. If you store sensitive data off-site, use a reputable company equipped to handle the security risks of storing it in the cloud. If you store data on-site, make sure a strong firewall protects it.
Data security also means monitoring who has access to your data and ensuring your employees are keeping it secure. Kenny Natiss understands the importance of information security, so it makes sense that you should, too.
Digital Asset Security
With modern technology taking hold of our world and lives, it makes sense that businesses are undergoing a digital transformation. Digital asset security refers to protecting your intellectual property and copyrighted items. This includes your logo, software, images, videos, and other digital assets. You may want to file for a trademark or copyright to protect your intellectual property. You should also have a policy to ensure employees are not copying or stealing copyrighted content from other websites.
Employee Education And Awareness
The last piece of the security puzzle is the people who work in your business. Ensuring your employees are educated and aware of any security threats is essential. This might include threats from physical break-ins, data breaches, and fraudulent schemes. It can also help ensure your employees know how to handle sensitive data, like customer information and payment details.