It’s that time of year again. The office will be decorated, the office holiday party will be planned, and gifts will be exchanged. But what about implementing the essential steps to secure your business for the holiday season? Learn more about smart security strategies for businesses below.
You can keep your business safe during the holiday season by following these five security tips:
1. Ensure Employees Are Aware of Security Policies
Reviewing your company’s security policy with all of your employees is the first step toward securing your business. Ensure everyone understands company security procedures and is on the same page. Here are some points to consider:
- Holiday break protocol for locking up valuables.
- Employees working remotely during the holidays or traveling should be aware of company cyber security policies.
- Holiday party rules for inviting guests into the workplace.
- If there is an emergency, you need to have an action plan in place as a part of your smart security strategies for your business.
- Days when the office will be closed and when employees can return.
2. Check to Ensure All Security Equipment Is in Good Working Order
In addition to reviewing the company security policy and procedures, make sure all security equipment is working properly, including:
- System alarms
- Video Surveillance System
- Software for cyber security
- Access control systems and smart locks
- Panic buttons
Once you’ve tested all of your company’s security devices, make sure nothing will obstruct them, such as holiday decorations. This is especially important for your video surveillance system for business.
While you’re evaluating your equipment and ensuring it’s operating properly, now is a great time to consider upgrading it.
3. Inform the Security Company of Special Holiday Hours
The work schedule for your business may change during the holidays. Keep your monitoring alarm service informed when the business is closed so that they can keep an eye out for unusual activity. You should also review your emergency call list and update it if necessary. In the event that the alarm sounds, the alarm company will need the correct contact information. If you are not currently using a monitored system, you want to review security companies in Virginia for the best options.
Also, let your clients know when your business hours will change during the holiday season. Post updates on your website or social media accounts, including your Google Business listings.
4. Take Caution When Using Public WiFi
It may seem harmless to check your business email over public Wi-Fi, but it is not. There is a risk that your personal information or confidential business data could be compromised.
Protect your company’s data if employees work remotely over break with a Virtual Protected Network (VPN). By using a VPN, your employees can access your company’s resources.
Visit Resources & Helpful Tools of Johns Brothers Security
5. Make Sure You Lock Up
This may seem obvious, but it’s extremely critical. Ensure all business entrances and windows, as well as sensitive data-containing offices, are locked when you depart for the holidays.
Examine all codes and confirm which employees have access to specific areas if your business has an access control system.
No matter how well you think you’ve prepared your business security for this season, don’t hesitate to review this list again just to make sure. Like Santa, you should make a list and check it twice.
Do you feel that your business security system could use an upgrade after that review? Visit Johns Brothers Security’s Business Solutions page or call us at 1-800-242-9760 to learn more about how we can help you! Johns Brothers Security is a leading security company in Virginia with over 40 years of experience in providing peace of mind to businesses.