There are around 5.5 million small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) in the UK. They account for 99.9% of private-sector businesses, so SMEs are invaluable to our economy. Starting one of your own is exciting, but it is easy to overlook the risks.
Discover more about how to protect your business and improve your digital and physical security.
Train Your Employees
Your employees are key when it comes to protecting what you’ve built. Although it is not always simple to make time for training, it is crucial. Ensure you train your staff as soon as they enter the company. The training should cover everything from health and safety to cybersecurity. Remember to hold regular refresher sessions to help prepare them for an incident.
Increase Cybersecurity Measures
Did you know that 34% of businesses experience cyberattacks? Monitoring your digital security protocols is crucial to avoiding a potential data breach.
You are more susceptible to cyberattacks if your employees work from home. This is because residential Wi-Fi connections usually have a lower level of protection. Providing a VPN with a dedicated IP can ensure that only certain individuals can access your servers. You can also learn more about static IP vs. dynamic IP, and decide for yourself which connection method is best for you.
Install CCTV
Install CCTV if you have a physical storefront. Benefits include deterring potential thieves and providing you with evidence if there is a crime committed.
CCTV also makes it easier to monitor staff performance. It is especially useful for timekeeping as you can cross-reference clock-in times. You can even use CCTV to check that workers are following safety regulations.
Restrict access
Do not trust everyone with everything. Try to limit access to digital data, cash floats, and other sensitive aspects only to people who need it. You will reduce the risk of a breach as data is less likely to end up in the wrong hands.
Get insured
Nobody likes to think of their business being in a scandal. But accidents can and do happen. Small companies sometimes forgo insurance due to the cost, even though unforeseen events can be enough to send them under.
One of these policies could help cover the cost of:
- Legal claims
- Theft
- Accidental damage to your property or inventory
A comprehensive insurance policy will protect your company. You can then sleep easy knowing you are covered.
Final thoughts
It is important to increase your security as a small business, and there are plenty of ways to do this. Tightened cybersecurity, insurance, and CCTV are some measures that can make you feel more confident.
