There are so many things you need to think about when running a business, and protecting it from theft, fraud, or even blackmailing is the last thing you want to be constantly worrying about. Unfortunately, no business is ever completely safe from attack, but there are plenty of measures that you can take to ensure that the risk is minimised as much as possible. So, we’ve compiled a complete guide on how to protect your business from attack – check it out!

Invest in security systems

Even if you’re situated in a high-rise office and feel like an attack couldn’t happen to you, you must always take precautions for the ‘just in case’ moments. A sad fact is that if someone wants to steal something from you, no matter where your business is situated or how difficult it may seem to access, they will always find a way. That’s why it’s imperative that you back yourself up in case the worst happens. You can now buy security systems that include cameras and alarms alike, and many of them will alert you if anything seems suspicious when you’re out of the office by using an app on your phone. They will also alert the police at the same time which gives you the chance to catch someone before anything happens.

You should also take into consideration that theft might happen among your staff members. Although it’s nice to think that they wouldn’t do something like that, you can never truly trust anyone when your business is on the line. Having cameras around your business premises will allow you to check them if something goes missing so that you can find the culprit. Remember to put up a sign so that people know they are being recorded, as this could fall back on you in a court of law.

Another way of making your business harder to attack is by installing keycodes to enter and exit your premises. Many businesses use magnetised systems that will only allow people with a key to enter and exit the building. Perhaps you could give senior staff members the keys to reduce the chance of just anyone walking into the building.

Protect yourself online

One place that you’re always going to be a target of fraud and theft is the internet. It’s now easier than ever to hack into systems unnoticed and as you know, this could seriously damage your business. Did you know that you can get cybersecurity for businesses? They work by setting up a system across all of your computers and other devices to ensure that nobody without a password can access your vital information. While antivirus programs work great for other aspects of staying safe on your computer, you should consider investing in cybersecurity to ensure that you and your business remain safe.

Train your staff members

Sometimes, no matter how safe you’re trying to be with your business, hackers and phishing attempts can still flow through because people aren’t trained how to safely use their computers. Here are some tips on how to train your staff members:

• Insist that your staff members log out of their computers at the end of each shift or, in fact, after using a program that requires them to use a password. Keyloggers can easily gain access to your systems when things are left logged in.
• Speaking of passwords, encourage your staff members to change their passwords regularly. Some systems and programs will prompt them to do so, but it’s your job to ensure that they are actually doing it.
• Make sure that your staff know the importance of not sharing their login details with anyone – not even fellow colleagues. Not only could the information be intercepted by the wrong person, but it also allows you to work out who is the culprit of an attack or any other issues that may arise with your computer systems.
• Teach your team members how to safely use the internet. Unfortunately, the main cause for systems being hacked is, in fact, because of something they have done on the internet. Make sure that all websites they are visiting are verified by the green padlock sign in the toolbar of their browser.
• To prevent the chance of someone going onto a website that could infect your systems, block websites that shouldn’t be used.
• Thoroughly teach your staff how to use the programs that they need to complete their work so that if something unusual comes up, they know not to allow access to anyone trying to access their computer. Make it so that if anything strange comes up, they run it by you first.
• Install updates when they are required. Outdated systems may not protect you and your company.
• Make sure that email accounts are monitored and that your staff members are using them safely. Viruses and hackers can gain access through something as simple as someone clicking an email link!
• Back up your systems regularly so that if safety is breached, you’re not going to lose work.

Hire a security guard

Sometimes having a camera and an alarm might not do the job, and that’s when you should consider hiring a security guard for your premises. Perhaps you sell items that are worth a high value, or maybe you keep information that’s confidential and you need to ensure that it’s safe. Either way, having someone on hand to keep an eye out for suspicious activity will reduce the chances of an attempted theft.

Having a security guard will also offer an aspect of protection for your staff members too. It’s not unusual to find some customers aren’t very pleasant, and may even resort to violence to get their own way. When your team is on your premises, it’s your duty to ensure that they are safe!

Some businesses will also require you to have a security guard or bouncer on hand at all times in case things get out of hand and people need escorting off your premises. If your business matches these terms, it’s time to think about hiring some help.

Keep sensitive information away from prying eyes

Some businesses keep hold of sensitive information such as medical practices, and it’s important not only for the sake of the business but also it’s customers that confidential information is kept away from prying eyes. Ensuring that valuable information isn’t kept in easy reach or indeed, even on site is the route that you should be considering.

Again, using locked rooms that require passcodes can help ensure that your information is kept safe. Of course, you may feel like you want to move information like this to an alternative location to ensure there’s no inside job.

As you can see, your company is never going to be void from attack, and to ensure that something as devastating as theft or fraud doesn’t happen to you, it’s important to consider these methods of protecting your business.