Originally published by Insights Success. Reposted with permission.
Employers are no longer eager to allow employees to work from home. According to CNBC, 50 percent of companies would like to have their employees attend work five days a week. They want things to return to how they were before the COVID-19 pandemic hit.
As Forbes explains, it seems that employers are getting their way. Employees are returning, and things seem like they’re returning to how they were before 2020. However, as we go back to the old normal, employers must take better care of their subordinates. One way they can do so is by ensuring proper security at their office buildings.
Security is a top priority in any office building. With the growing threat of physical and cyber attacks, it’s essential to implement a robust security strategy to protect your employees, assets, and information.
Here are five tips to help you create an efficient security strategy in your office building.
#1 Conduct a Security Risk Assessment
The first step in creating an effective security strategy is understanding the risks you face. A security risk assessment will help you identify potential threats and weaknesses in your security systems and help you prioritize your security needs.
The assessment aims to identify potential threats and weaknesses in your current security systems.
Here are some steps to help you conduct a security risk assessment:
- Determine what is essential to protect, including physical and digital assets, confidential information, and employee safety.
- Identify potential physical and cyber threats, such as theft, natural disasters, or data breaches.
- Evaluate your current security measures, including access controls, fire safety systems, and data backup procedures.
- Based on the information gathered, prioritize the risks and determine which ones require immediate attention.
- Develop a plan to address the identified risks and implement measures to improve security.
#2 Integrate a Digital Visitor Management System
Visitor management is an essential aspect of office security. By implementing a digital visitor management system, you can keep track of who enters and exits the building and monitor visitors’ movements within the building. The system should also allow you to verify visitor identities and provide a record of their visit.
Integrating a digital visitor management solution will help your security personnel better identify who they should and shouldn’t allow entering the building. Integrating such a system will enhance your office security from visitor registration to visitor screening.
#3 Implement Access Control
Infosecurity Magazine reported that data breaches had risen by 70 percent globally in the third quarter of 2022. Many of these breaches occurred at the workplace, where cyber criminals accessed locally hosted data servers. Implementing proper access control is vital in preventing such data breaches.
Access control is essential to securing your office. By controlling who has access to your building and specific areas, you can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information and assets.
Here are some steps to help you implement access control in your office building.
- Determine which areas of your building require access control and what level of access is required.
- Decide which type of access control technology best suits your needs, such as key cards, biometric authentication, or smart locks.
- Have the access control system installed by a professional, and conduct tests to ensure it’s functioning correctly.
- Provide training to employees on how to use the access control system, and explain the importance of following the access control procedures.
- Regularly monitor and review the access control system to ensure it’s functioning effectively and make any necessary changes.
#4 Provide Security Training to Employees
Employees play a crucial role in maintaining the security of your office. By providing security training, you can educate employees on identifying potential security threats and what to do if they encounter one. This training can also help employees understand the importance of following security procedures, such as adequately securing confidential information.
#5 Regularly Review and Update Your Security Strategy
Security is an ongoing process, and your security strategy should be reviewed and updated regularly. Keep track of any changes in the security landscape, and make any necessary adjustments to your security plan. Additionally, consider conducting regular security drills to test the effectiveness of your security measures and identify any areas for improvement.
Implementing an efficient security strategy in your office building is essential to protecting your employees, assets, and information. Following the tips discussed above, you can create a secure environment that protects your business and helps you maintain your competitive edge.