Business owners not only have to worry about their finances and customers, but also protecting their assets from criminals.
But just how risky are things out there? Do you need a tremendous amount of security? Or will you be okay if you avoid the cost?
Answering these questions depends very much on your location. Some companies can get away with minimal security apparatus because they occupy distant places or don’t store any valuables on-site. Others need to be much more careful.
In the digital world, it is an entirely different matter. Distance is no defense. And practically every company owns sensitive data that hackers can exploit in some way if they choose to do so.
The level of protection your company needs, therefore, depends on the following factors:
The Value And Sensitivity Of Your Data
If you own a cupcake business that sells packaged cakes for delivery in your local community, then criminals probably won’t go to great lengths to steal your data. It might have value, but it will be relatively low down on their list of target priorities.
If, however, your data is the source of your competitive advantage, you need to start paying attention to its integrity. If you need the information to develop new products, connect with customers, or advertise effectively, you’re a high-value target. You’re also valuable to criminals if you collect and store personally-identifiable information about your customers.
Audit the value of your personal data and try to figure out what it is worth. If you’re not sure, call in IT cybersecurity professionals and get them to give you a rundown.
The Value Of Your On-Site Assets
The majority of modern businesses are capital-light, meaning that they don’t need a vast amount of plant and equipment to make them run. Nobody is going to risk years in prison to raid the offices of an accountant.
With that said, many companies store vast quantities of expensive machinery and inventory on their premises, immediately putting them at risk. If you have a substantial number of goods lying around, you’re a high-value target and at risk.
Don’t assume that criminals are oblivious to your activities because you’re a small player. Professional thieves are skilled at what they do and often make a fortune by plying their trade.
First, you’ll need to put up plenty of security around your premises and outbuildings. An 80W wall pack light, for instance, can act as a deterrent for anybody coming onto your property. You’ll also want to fit a security system with motion sensors and integrated cameras connected to your smartphone via WiFi. Doing this will immediately tell you whether somebody is on your premises.
Finally, you’ll want to make extensive use of shutters and physical barriers without being too obvious. Criminals know that significant investments in physical defenses signals high-value contents. And so it can sometimes make them more determined to break in and steal your possessions.
Thus, the amount of protection your business needs scales with the value of its assets, both physical and digital.
