With only 36% of businesses prepared to respond to a data breach, it’s clear that many companies remain at risk of a significantly damaging breach of information in lieu of the digital age.
However, while both physical and cybersecurity protections need to be put in place and improved on an annual basis, many business leaders don’t know where to start or exactly how vulnerable they really are.
Whether you’re looking to upgrade your current security measures or implement a system for the first time, there are several things to carefully consider.
Risks and Consequences
Unfortunately, the consequences of not having security can be detrimental to any business that goes through a security breach.
Not only does the business in question risk the exposure of sensitive company information, but also that of their clients. In fact, the average data breach exposes 25,575 sensitive consumer records on a global scale.
Businesses without sufficient security also risk physical theft of valuable assets as well, which can also lead to financial ruin.
A security breach can easily rack up millions of dollars in expenses, including the cost of investigations, missing or stolen property, and even lost business.
Along with the financial costs, businesses can also suffer from a negative impact on their reputation, which can also translate to lost income and even further expenses like lawsuits – making a security breach well worth avoiding.
Businesses and cybersecurity
Because businesses handle and store a plethora of sensitive client and company information online, proper cybersecurity is essential for success and client trust – making the matter more important than ever in such a digital age.
Among malware infiltration, ransomware, phishing, and data breaches, no business is safe without the proper cybersecurity.
While many may think of simple antivirus protection, businesses need an array of security measures put into places, such as network access control and security monitoring, web and email filtering, and properly trained employees.
While network access control and security monitoring can help determine who can access the business network and monitor it for anomalies, web and email filtering can help to filter spam, malicious sites, and phishing attempts from hackers.
However, having informed and trained employees can also prove to be just as important, as it helps to cultivate a positive security culture in the workplace, teach your employees what to look out for, as well as what to do in the event that there is a cyber attack.
The Continued Need for Physical Security
Even though many businesses heavily rely on the internet when it comes to storing data, the need for physical security still continues for many.
Common security systems involve video surveillance, security personnel, and even alarm systems, though other measures can also be put into place. For example, an access control system can secure the facility by only letting authorized personnel into certain areas through specialized key cards or ID badges.
As a business owner, you might integrate your access control system with surveillance video, which can allow for tighter security and for you to gain peace of mind in relation to confidential matters. And, like cybersecurity, having trained employees can also make a difference in effectively avoiding and responding to security issues.
Innovative Solutions on the Rise
Luckily, there are several solutions for businesses looking to up their security – both online and on physical premises.
Along with standard methods of security protection like surveillance cameras, access control systems, and the proper cybersecurity, there are modern innovations designed to take business security to the next level.
For example, new innovations like artificial intelligence technology can detect anomalies in a cybersecurity system, allowing for a quick response to threats.
Smartphone integration in terms of surveillance can also tighten up security on physical premises, allowing business owners or managers to get notified of a threat as soon as possible – leaving several options to consider when it comes to updating your security system or putting one in place to begin with.
While many businesses remain unprepared for the data breach, it’s more important than ever to take both cyber and physical security into heavy consideration.
Through the proper security measures both online and on physical premises, there are many ways you can protect your assets.
