As a small business owner, your business is your livelihood, plain and simple. That’s why keeping your office space secure is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, this can prove to be difficult considering the amount of focus you must put on other critical tasks, like monitoring employees, budgets and client satisfaction.
Luckily there are a handful of things you can do to keep your office secure without having to moonlight as a security guard. In fact, addressing your potential security issues can be as easy as turning a key – here are some things you can do to keep your office secure morning, noon and night.
Keep Key Count to a Minimum
If you’re going to pass out copies of the office master key, only give copies to trusted, long-tenured employees. Even then, it’s an excellent idea to mark your keys with ‘Do Not Duplicate’ or a locking mechanism so a locksmith will not duplicate the key without your written authorization. You should also be color coding and numbering each key so they’re easier to track.
Consider Installing an Access Control System
Access Control Systems, which utilize keypads or key cards, work even better than traditional keys because they allow you to easily update or modify who has access. This is especially helpful if an employee has been terminated and you’re worried about an unwanted return. It also allows you to avoid a lost key coming back to haunt you.
Alarm Systems Are a Must
Sometimes even the best locks won’t keep an unwanted individual from entering your business. That’s why alarm systems are so critical. Alarm systems vary in price and functionality, but you can generally get a system that comes with a motion detector and basic monitoring for relatively cheap.
Play it Safe
Your safe likely carries your most important information, so be sure to follow these general rules of thumb:
- Your safe should have thick, heavy walls
- Ideally it should be bolted to the ground
- It shouldn't share a wall with a neighboring business or the outdoors
- The combination should never be written down
Password Protect Everything
Keeping intruders out of your digital office space is equally important as the physical space. All of the computers and devices used for business purposes, whether they’re located at the office or not, should always be password protected. What’s more, be sure each password is different, difficult to guess and changed frequently. This also goes for Wi-Fi networks and alarm systems.
Create Personal Firewalls
It’s not enough for you to be on top of things when it comes to securing your business – your employees need to be committed to this goal as well. Discuss with them the importance of password protection and show them the correct way to lock up the office each day, even if it’s not usually their responsibility.
Set Up a Surveillance System
No matter the size of your business, surveillance systems are an excellent way to keep watch over your business and deter would-be intruders. Experts agree even dummy cameras strategically placed around your business can dissuade a potential thief from entering. However, working surveillance cameras are recommended.
Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. Will Keep You Safe
When you own and operate a small business you wear enough hats as it is. If you’re looking for professional protection for your office space, let the security experts at
Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.
help you feel fortified so you can focus on growing your business. Contact us online or call
713-643-5767
today to learn how we can improve your Houston area business’s security.