6 Types Of Security Every Small Business Needs (And How to Get It)

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What do you think about when you hear the word “security”? Do you picture burly men with guns and vests, a high tower filled with locked rooms, or maybe a tiny hut with a fence? How about images of locking up at night? Does it conjure up thoughts of prison or Fort Knox? 

Security is generally thought of as something that protects you from danger and risk—something that keeps malicious people out while keeping good people in. And small businesses need security in several different forms. 

Physical Security

Physical security encompasses everything that comes in contact with the building itself. As well as the parking lot and sidewalks around your facility. Things like a clean and well-maintained building are part of physical security, as are items like appropriate signage, adequate lighting, and good landscaping. 

Physical security also means having a receptionist or security guard screen visitors and keep a log of who comes and goes. This will help you create a record of who has been in your building and make it harder for people who shouldn’t be there to gain access. 

Network Security

When you have computers or other devices on a network, you have a greater risk of hackers breaking in. Therefore, network security should be a top priority for any business that shares a network between multiple computers. Network security includes things like firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. 

Network security should be assessed by a company specializing in information technology or IT. You may also find it helpful to hire an outside company to conduct network security audits. A network security audit identifies risks and vulnerabilities in your network and can help you create a plan to improve your network security.

Online Security

Online security involves protecting your reputation and the integrity of your website. Online security includes safeguarding your website from malicious software and ensuring your website is hosted on a secure server. It’s also vital to protect your company email address and all social media accounts from being hacked. 

This can be as simple as getting a dedicated email address for your business and regularly changing the passwords for your social media accounts.

Data Security

Data security is about protecting both your physical data and your electronic data. It is critical to protect sensitive data stored both onsite and offsite. If you store sensitive data offsite, make sure you use a reputable company equipped to handle the security risks of storing your data in the cloud. If you store data onsite, make sure a strong firewall protects it. 

Data security also means keeping an eye on who has access to your data and ensuring your employees are keeping data secure. Kenny Natiss understands the importance of information security, so it makes sense that you should too. 

Digital Asset Security

With modern technology taking hold of our world and lives, it makes sense that businesses are undergoing a digital transformation. Digital asset security refers to protecting your intellectual property and copyrighted items. This includes your logo, software, images, videos, and other digital assets. You may want to file for a trademark or copyright to protect your intellectual property. You should also have a policy to make sure employees are not copying or stealing copyrighted content from other websites.

Employee Education And Awareness

The last piece of the security puzzle is the people who work in your business. It is imperative to make sure your employees are educated and aware of any security threats. This might include threats from physical break-ins, data breaches, and fraudulent schemes. It can also help ensure your employees know how to handle sensitive data, like customer information and payment details.