Starting a small business can be an exciting time. Although getting up and running can be an arduous task, the results are often extremely rewarding.
There are a number of things to think about when getting your venture off the ground, but security should definitely be among your top priorities.
Of course, this isn’t just with regard to the physical location of your enterprise.You also need to ensure your online environment is secure, as data theft can be just as damaging as a break-in at a business premises.
Here are five security measures you should consider when starting a new business.
Security Measures For Your Start-up Business
Implementing a strict data policy
Whether it is providing an online store, offering a source of communication or running a media platform, modern day businesses are heavily web-based.
Whatever your market sector, you need to ensure that you implement a strict data policy that is adhered to by all staff.
While you can have one sole employee dedicated to online security, it is important that all staff using the internet on a regular basis have at least a basic understanding of the Data Protection Act.
Make sure that all sensitive documents are stored in a password protected and encrypted location, and that all staff computers are also protected by a password.
If you lose customer data, such as bank details or personal information, it could not only lead to financial damage but could also have a negative impact on your reputation.
Read: Designing a Network Security Training
Utilizing the cloud
One of the major benefits of the growth of internet connectivity is the potential for remote working. Staff are no longer confined to the office and can use their personal devices to work from home, or on the move.
As long as there is an internet connection, workers can use cloud computing or remotely access emails and important documents at their fingertips.
Not only does this help to improve flexibility among staff, leading to increased productivity and worker morale, it also allows you to keep documents stored away from the office server.
This means that in the event of a disaster at the premises, such as flooding or fire, customer and client documents will be saved on an external network, rather than being lost following physical damage to a company’s internal data storage system.
Using a sophisticated email management and security system
While the cloud offers vast benefits and can drastically improve the security of documents, you still need to ensure it is protected.
This is why twinning your cloud-based operations with sophisticated and comprehensive email security from Mimecast is absolutely vital.
It works seamlessly with email and office-based programmes such as Office 365 to protect against a wide range of email threats, spam, malware and DDoS attacks.
However, while this will act as a strong line of defence against malicious online attacks, you must ensure your employees know not to open suspicious files sent by email, or download anything that has not been approved by an office-based internet security expert.
Read: Importance of Software Updates
Premises security
Although ensuring that your online security is up to a high standard is immensely important, you shouldn’t neglect the physical security of your premises.
Key codes or fobs for the door can prevent unauthorized people from entering the office. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s just money or equipment you have to protect, as keeping important documents in a secure filing cabinet or safe is just as important.
The humble shredder
The shredder is amust-have office feature. Whilethe modern business environment is undeniably moving online, there is still a need for paper documents.
Addresses, bank details and personal information can be found on letters, while legal documents for clients could also be left around the office.
Make sure that these can’t be replicated or stolen once they are no longer needed by putting them through the shredder.
Following these five simple security tips will help ensure that your start-up business is thoroughly protected against any external or internal threats.
