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on 22 January 2024

8 Security Measures to Implement for a Successful New Year

8 security measures to implement for a successful new year

A new year marks a fresh start and an opportune moment for businesses to re-evaluate their security procedures and make a concerted effort to make their small businesses bot-proof against security breaches. 

This exhaustive guide details the numerous measures companies must take to make 2024 a safe and sound business year. 

Understanding Physical Security

Protecting physical assets, people, and resources from unauthorized access, damage, theft, and harm is known as physical security. It consists of concrete measures such as access controls, surveillance systems, and environmental safeguards that establish the security and safety of our physical spaces and assets.

Components of Physical Security Plans

The following components form the backbone of a resilient physical security framework, ensuring your organization is well-prepared to face diverse challenges:

  • Training: Equip staff with knowledge on implementing physical security strategies.
  • Site design and Layout: Strategically place equipment to complement facility design.
  • Emergency Response Readiness: This trains staff on appropriate actions during emergencies.
  • Access Control: Manage staff access and restrict entry to designated spaces.
  • Environmental Components: Implement safety measures against natural disasters.

Key Physical Security Measures

The following are the key components commonly found in a well-rounded and effective physical security plan:

Deterrence

Deterrence prevents unauthorized access by employing various technologies and physical barriers. It includes signage, security cameras, door access systems, and physical obstacles like doors, locks, and walls. Deterrence aims to dissuade potential intruders from entering sensitive areas.

Detection

While deterrence is essential, detection plays a role in identifying intruders and alerting the appropriate authorities. 

Physical security detection measures involve using sensors, alarms, and automatic notifications through video management software, providing a comprehensive approach to monitoring and identifying potential threats.

Delay

Physical security controls strategically impede intruders attempting to breach a facility. Basic measures, such as additional doors, locks, and security personnel, delay potential incidents. 

Advanced technologies like key card access and mobile credentials further enhance security by making unauthorized access more challenging. These technologies play a crucial role in preventing breaches and minimizing potential damage.

Response

A well-devised response strategy is vital if there is a breach or intrusion. It includes protocols for building lockdowns and automatic notifications to emergency services.

A prompt and organized response is essential for containing and mitigating the impact of security incidents and ensuring the safety of individuals and assets within the facility.

Best Practices for New Year Business Security Enhancement

You can significantly enhance your business’s resilience to potential security risks in 2024 if you implement the following strategies:

1. Conduct a security audit.

To gain a snapshot of how secure an organization’s network is, you must first start by performing a complete security audit. A security audit includes assessing the organization’s current security infrastructure, finding any weaknesses or vulnerabilities, and gauging the employees’ knowledge of security measures. 

You can establish a security strategy once you perform a full security audit.

2. Implement access control systems.

Controlling access to physical and digital spaces is a fundamental aspect of security. Install access control systems that restrict entry to authorized personnel only. It includes critical card systems, biometrics scanners, and secure password protocols for digital access.

3. Educate employees on cybersecurity.

A key component for improving security breaches is to educate and perform training to prevent employee errors and assess the nature of cyber threats. Make every individual in the organization aware of the immediate security problems and the best ways to deal with them. 

By undoubtedly making all an organization’s employees aware of their ever-present situation, a business can be its front-line defence against cyber threats. 

4. Backup data regularly.

Data loss can have severe consequences for a business. Safeguard your business against ransomware attacks, hardware failures, or accidental deletions by implementing a consistent backup schedule for crucial data. 

Ensure that these backups are securely stored to mitigate potential risks and protect your business continuity.

5. Secure physical access.

Organizations can improve their physical security stance, diminish the likelihood of unauthorized entry, and safeguard crucial assets and information by adopting a holistic strategy for ensuring physical access. 

Assign individuals specific access levels and permissions based on their roles and responsibilities. Limit access to only the areas necessary for an individual to perform their job functions.

6. Monitor third-party access.

Ensure that your third-party vendors have supervised access to your systems and data. Communicate clearly to potential wrongdoers that you are actively monitoring and holding them accountable. 

Additionally, confirm that the third-party vendor you engage with is committed to safeguarding data, even if it doesn’t belong to your organization.

7. Create an incident response plan.

Businesses ought to initiate the process by identifying potential threats, evaluating their potential impact, and articulating well-defined response protocols. This involves designating a dedicated response team, establishing effective communication channels, and delineating specific steps to contain and recover from incidents. 

Regularly testing and updating the plan ensures its ongoing effectiveness. A clearly defined incident response plan equips businesses to manage disruptions, thereby efficiently minimizing potential damages and downtime.

8. Regularly conduct security awareness training.

Since cybersecurity threats constantly change, employees must stay informed about the newest hazards and prevention methods. Conduct regular security awareness training sessions to update employees about emerging threats, phishing techniques, and available safeguards. 

Foster a culture of cybersecurity vigilance and responsibility.

The Importance of Choosing a Professional Security Company

In addition to implementing the above security measures, Canadian businesses should strongly consider partnering with a professional security company. Here are key reasons why:

Expertise and Specialization

Professional security companies specialize in security, bringing in-depth knowledge and expertise that is hard to replicate with in-house efforts. 

They stay abreast of the latest security trends and technologies, ensuring businesses benefit from the most advanced, effective security measures.

Customized Security Solutions

Every business has unique security requirements. Professional security companies assess these specific needs and tailor their services accordingly. This personalized approach ensures that companies receive a comprehensive security solution that aligns with their objectives and challenges.

24/7 Monitoring and Response

Numerous professional security firms provide continuous 24/7 monitoring services. This perpetual vigilance facilitates a prompt response to potential threats, thereby reducing the impact of security incidents. Swift response times are critical in preempting and alleviating the ramifications of security breaches.

Affordability

Many people mistakenly believe that utilizing the services of a security company will be very expensive, but this is not the case. It can be far cheaper to outsource security than to buy an elaborate alarm system, hire and train guards, and deal with all the attendant hassles yourself. 

Many established security firms have pre-existing security resources and infrastructure you do not need to invest in.

Compliance with Regulations

Established security firms thoroughly understand the regulations and compliance issues involved in the security industry. It means that, when dealing with them, much of the security aspects of your event are likely to comply with any legal and other requirements – reducing the risk of sanctions or legal red tape.

Optimum Security – Your Trusted Vancouver Security Company

Choosing the right security partner is essential for your business’s success and safety. Optimum Security, a leading Vancouver security company, offers diverse services catering to organizations of all sizes. 

From on-site professional security guards to 24/7 mobile patrol services, our team has the expertise and technology to keep your property safe and secure. Explore our cost-effective security solutions and discover how we prioritize your safety with unwavering dedication.

Contact Optimum Security today at 604-644-9229 (BC), 780-995-9229 (AB), or 416-628-3393 (ON) to explore our comprehensive security services tailored to your needs.