| Security is an important issue for businesses of all | | | | 3. Are your business assets secure? Is your property |
| sizes. Security threats to businesses include: theft; loss; | | | | labelled and recorded. The use of asset labels is |
| arson; burglary; vandalism; terrorism and IT threats. | | | | recommended. Asset labels permanently mark your |
| All businesses, even small ones, should be insured | | | | business valuables with your company name, |
| adequately against security threats - you should get | | | | postcode and an individual number. Asset labels help |
| professional advice on the coverage you require. As | | | | you keep a record of business equipment, deter |
| well as making sure you're insured, your business | | | | thieves and help you to track the item should it go |
| should also do what it can to prevent security | | | | missing. You can asset label items such as computers, |
| breaches. | | | | printers, tools and more - whatever property your |
| In fact, your insurance will usually depend on how | | | | company needs to protect. |
| adequately you have taken precautions to mitigate risk | | | | 4. Do you have a company safe? Is it in the most |
| as far as possible. In addition, if you're not seen to be | | | | secure place? Do you have the correct procedures in |
| taking reasonable precautions against risks, your | | | | place so that it is always kept locked? |
| insurance policy may not pay out. | | | | 5. Do you have an effective alarm system installed? Is |
| The exact security precautions which are effective | | | | it regularly tested? What procedures do you have in |
| for one business won't necessarily represent the best | | | | place for when the alarm goes off? |
| strategy for another. The exact security precautions | | | | 6. Do you have a safe and working fire alarm |
| you take will depend on issues such as the location of | | | | system? Has it been tested regularly? |
| your business and whether you hold stock. | | | | 7. Have you considered CCTV for your business |
| These tips will provide food for thought on business | | | | premises? If you have CCTV are the cameras in the |
| security and you can modify and adapt them to meet | | | | appropriate place? Is the recorded footage stored in a |
| your needs. | | | | systematic way? |
| 1. Do you have security lighting and is it all functioning? | | | | 8. How do you handle sensitive documents? Do you |
| Are doorways etc. well lit? Has indoor lighting been | | | | shred and dispose of documentation containing |
| considered - e.g. is it on a timer or are there lights left | | | | confidential information? |
| on overnight? | | | | 9. Have you reviewed your IT security? Do you have |
| 2. Are your door and window locks adequate? | | | | a system to renew passwords regularly? Are staff |
| Deadlocks are recommended? Are your doors and | | | | aware of internet and email policies? |
| windows sturdy enough to prevent intrusion? Don't | | | | 10. Are your cash handling systems safe? How is |
| forget about other possible entry points such as | | | | cash deposited in the bank? What security is in place |
| skylights and rooves. | | | | for cash on the premises and staff who handle it? |