There are a lot of security threats in a modern workplace. Some are on the outside of the building, as a physical threat, but some are unseen, as with a digital threat.

At Cana Communications, it is our job to help our clients see these potential threats and solve those issues before problems can occur at the workplace.

Here are ten areas that your office needs to pay attention to now, to protect the business and the employees from any outside threats.

AVOIDING OUTSIDE THREATS:

1. Install Security Cameras Outside.
Security cameras do work, but only when they are properly installed, very visible, and in good working order. When a criminal is driving around town and scoping places out, they may pass up the opportunity to rob the business with good security cameras. It’s too easy to go to a place with no cameras and rob them instead. While security cameras won’t prevent all illegal activity from happening, you are a lot better off to have them in place, than to risk not having them.

2. Install Security Cameras Inside.
Cameras inside the building also work well to deter crime. Sometimes, the thief at your business is an employee. Security cameras inside and outside the building can pay for themselves in peace of mind and deterrence. They can also lower your insurance rates. Having good security cameras inside and outside, connected to a network, allows you to login and see any suspicious activity (or stop it before it occurs, by calling the police).

3. Install Outdoor Lighting.
If your business keeps late hours or opens before the sun comes up, adding outdoor lighting will be a big help to you. Most crimes occur in the dark, so lighting up your parking lot, side doors and back doors will also help to thwart a crime from being committed. We can help you choose from low maintenance LED lights for the back of your lot, or add motion lights that come on as needed. Bright lights offer practical security and safety when and where they are needed.

4. Install Access Control on the Doors.
Access control allows you to be in control of who is getting in and out. With a card that is linked to a chip, it opens the door for the employee. They can have a timed buzz or alarm that sounds, to promote quicker entrances and exits (so people don’t hold the door open.) Access control doors remain locked until the authorized person uses their own card to open the door. Each employee has their own card with a chip that has their name registered to it. It is a safe way to give only the right people the key to come inside.

AVOIDING DIGITAL THREATS:

5. Install a Firewall on Your Computer Network
With computers, we are very vulnerable to outside threats. A firewall on your network is a very good security measure. All it takes is one virus to attach itself to your programs or network, and it can infect all of your computers and files. We can help you set up a firewall or network that you can rely on.

AVOIDING PHYSICAL DISASTERS:

6. Have a Disaster Plan.
Disaster plans aren’t just for schools, they are also needed in the workplace. Unexpected things do happen, and it’s always a good idea to know what to do- just in case- it happens at your work. Do you have your fire exits posted on the wall for everyone to see? Do you know how to alert everyone at the office, at the same time, if something happens? What would you do first? Natural disasters are a threat, and so are security threats. Discuss your options in advance and stay safe in case of an emergency.

7. Have a List of Emergency Contacts.
This is so simple to do, so many people in an office environment forget to keep an emergency list updated, or even make one at all. Sometimes these lists are filed away in the employee handbook and forgotten about. Be sure that in case of an emergency, everyone has a current list of important people and phone numbers to call.

8. Do a Practice Drill for Your Emergency Plan.
You may know what to do in case of an emergency… but the new hire from last month and the college intern may not know. Be sure to go over possible natural disaster scenarios and security threat situations so that everyone is on board, and in the know, with what to do if a problem occurs.

9. Ask Questions Afterward.
When you run through a possible security threat scenario or a possible disaster situation, ask employees to speak up about what they would do. Share their ideas so that everyone can be a part of the solution.

10. Be Open to Communication and Changes.
In an office environment, be open to possible security changes and listen to security challenges. Your staff members can reveal security issues that you may not see, and your office employees may alert you to a possible situation that could be avoided. Share your availability with your employees, and always listen to their security questions. When people ask questions, we can answer it with a solution, before the problem occurs.