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Security is not the first concern that business leaders seek to address as part of their ongoing duties, but it is nonetheless a leading concern when it comes to a business’ longevity. In past generations, security concerns would be limited to the strength of the office safe or the quality of the locks on the door; today, though, security encompasses a broad field of potential risks from the physical to the digital.
With regard to the latter, cybercrime rates have seen worrying growth in recent years. According to recent statistics released by the UK government, well over a third of UK businesses have recognised a cyber-attack on their infrastructure. Cyber-crime varies in presentation and impact, from simple phishing scams to complex digital break-ins and beyond.
With multiple angles of attack from which today’s businesses can be victimised, it is more important than ever that both new and existing businesses evaluate their security. As a business owner or leader, how can you improve the security of your business?
How to Boost Your Company’s Security?
Employee Training
Employee training is perhaps the most effective way to tackle emerging cybersecurity threats. According to the same government statistics, around four in five identified a phishing attempt – that is, a fraudulent attempt by scammers to harvest confidential information through impersonating an official business or institution.
Phishing scams are relatively easy to spot for the more digitally literate of employees. However, more sophisticated forms of phishing can fool even relatively skilled workers. Cybersecurity training can drill proper processes into the minds of your staff, and ensure that information is not volunteered to unverified sources.
Investment in Software
While training is an effective route to mitigating common security risks, it is only one form of defence – and only one part of the puzzle. Another key part is direct and active investment in technological tools, particularly in the form of software.
Payroll is a crucial department in which investment can have positive security impacts. Payroll involves the storage and use of highly confidential personal information, from bank details to national insurance numbers and home addresses. Modern payroll software solutions can ensure all information is safely stored and encrypted, allowing only certified personnel to access it. The same software can be used to automate certain processes, minimising the risk of errors or information leakage.
Physical Access Restrictions
While cybercrime is a key issue for businesses today, it does not completely replace the risk posed to physical premises. Indeed, physical trespassing and cybercrime can even go hand-in-hand, where unauthorised entry can lead to the harvesting of information from devices.
One effective way to mitigate this risk is through supplying in-person staff and visitors with RFID fobs relevant to their role or clearance level. Internal doors can be locked with fob-entry devices, ensuring that only relevant and authorised personnel can gain access to certain sensitive areas or stored information.
