There are some security risks that you probably have considered.
We are assuming that you have the relevant security features installed at your workplace, including CCTV cameras and alarms set up around your business premises to protect you from thieves and vandals, and the latest antivirus software programs and firewalls installed on your computers to protect you from hacking attempts. If you haven’t taken those important steps, then you need to, and pronto.
However, there are some security risks that you might not have considered, and these include the following.
Security Risk #1: Unauthorised people on your premises
Especially within a large organisation, there could be many people passing in and out each day. Who are they? You would never know unless they wore ID badges or had security passes, as while they might have reason to be at your business premises, they might also be representatives of your business rivals looking to steal your personal info and get an insider look at your operations, or somebody with specific criminal intent.
Our advice is this: To protect yourself from harm, you need to make sure that everybody who enters your premises signs in and has the appropriate identifying badge. You can click here for some of the accessories you might need. You should also prevent access to any sensitive areas within your business, including workstations where computers could be compromised, or places where money and other valuable items are kept. Ensure your employees are kept up to speed on security measures too so that they don’t unwittingly welcome a potential intruder into your business.
Security Risk #2: Third-party apps and programmes
There are apps and software programmes for everything in business these days, each one of which is designed to make your life easier. However, many of them can be expensive to buy or subscribe to, so you might be tempted to use unofficial apps and programs that are free to download from popular file sharing sites or third-party app stores. Big mistake, because as this article explains, they might be loaded with malware that could infect your phone, tablet, or computer systems.
Our advice is this: no matter how tempting it is to download free programmes from the internet and third-party app stores, always use official sources. You will then know who you are downloading from, and have the peace of mind that the programmes you are buying are from places online that have been protected with cyber-security tools. Many programmes offer trial periods too, so if you are unsure about the viability of something for your business, you can try it for free first.
Security Risk #3: Shared or lost work devices
We are talking specifically about office-based phones, laptops, and tablets that are used for work purposes, many of which employees use at home, especially if they are given the opportunity to work remotely occasionally. They might also be devices owned by your employee, possibly used for work purposes during their downtime. There are risks in both cases, as if they were to share their devices with others, or if they lost them en route to work, then sensitive information pertaining to your business could be accessed.
Our advice is this: When possible, don’t let your employees take office-based devices home with them. However, if they do need to, or if they regularly use their personal devices for work, ensure they adhere to a few cyber-security tips. This includes passwording everything so that access to others will be limited and encouraging them to stay away from public wi-fi where hackers could easily intercept any files that your employees are sending online. Check the previous link for more advice.
