Small businesses are particularly vulnerable to security breaches, such as unauthorized access that results in the theft of high-value inventory, which can damage a business’s reputation and even prompt closure. Other security risks that threaten businesses include cyber attacks, vandalism, property damage, and internal theft.
While balancing adequate security measures in a small business budget is challenging, it’s not impossible, and owners can utilize the best small business security systems to defend against threats and maintain comprehensive protection throughout their premises.
What to Look for in a Business Security System
Not all security approaches are viable or practical, particularly for small businesses. The following key factors should be considered when planning to implement security systems and strategies.
- Customization: The best security systems can be customized to meet the specific needs of each organization. All businesses have differing priorities and risk levels, so there is no universal fit when it comes to security.
For example, retail stores face a greater risk of organized crime and theft, and in response, may prioritize installing surveillance systems that monitor all areas of their premises without disturbing customers. In contrast, office-based businesses may focus more on access control to limit entry to authorized personnel.
- Scalability: As small businesses grow, security measures and systems should scale alongside them. New security threats can also emerge, requiring businesses to adjust their security approaches.
Physical access control systems are an example of a security approach that is not highly scalable, as when businesses alter their workforces, adding or revoking employee access and managing keys can be impractical and time-consuming.
- Quality: High-quality security systems should be sourced from a reputable security firm, as this ensures increased reliability and durability for businesses, reducing ongoing expenses associated with repairs and replacements.
Security systems that are outdated or otherwise low-quality may malfunction and are more vulnerable to hacking, tampering, and wear-and-tear damage.
The Best Small Business Security Systems
Businesses have many ways to enhance security with advanced systems, but which solutions work best for a small business?
Here’s a look at effective security systems that offer both quality and scalability for smaller operations.
1. Surveillance Cameras
Surveillance cameras can be installed to detect illegal acts and deter crimes on business property. Due to their low costs, scalability, and accessibility, surveillance cameras are highly suitable for small businesses. They can be mounted at entrances, around valuable equipment, throughout sales floors, near cash registers, and in storage areas, among other locations.
Security cameras enhance business security by providing high-definition, uninterrupted coverage of the premises. The top integrated features of security cameras include:
- HD Recording
- Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ)
- Motion detection
- Facial recognition
- Low-light vision
- Wide-angle lens
- Remote access
A small business’s outdoor area, such as its parking lot or courtyard, can also be safeguarded with solar-powered security cameras that do not require any external power source to operate.
2. Sentinel Surveillance Systems
Sentinel surveillance systems don’t require any permanent installation and provide 360° coverage of an area, and can trigger alarms or lights automatically when activity is detected, so any incidents can be quickly addressed and documented.
Since cost and flexibility are considerable concerns for businesses, sentinels can be a practical, but often overlooked option. They can be deployed quickly and moved as needed, allowing businesses to adjust their security approach based on new risks or priorities without installing multiple fixed cameras. They are especially useful for outdoor storage areas or temporary event spaces where traditional systems might be too expensive or difficult to install.
Owners can monitor activity from sentinels remotely through a smartphone or computer, and can respond to issues without the need for on-site personnel at all times. With battery backup, these eunites can operate even during power interruptions and can provide consistent coverage 24/7.
3. Access Control Systems
Electronic access control allows businesses to manage access to different areas throughout their premises, reducing theft and damage to sensitive inventory and equipment. Electronic systems can restrict or grant access to different individuals, such as employees and visitors, through authentication systems such as biometric readers, key fobs, access cards, and mobile apps.
While traditional methods for controlling access, such as giving authorized individuals physical keys, require lower expenses, they have limitations that are inconvenient for businesses and can even jeopardize their safety.
For instance, keys can be lost, stolen, or replicated, leaving an entire area or facility vulnerable to outsiders. Altering permissions with traditional methods can also be time-consuming and cause disruptions to business operations.
Electronic access control systems can be managed to instantly adjust permissions. If a new visitor is authorized to access an area, they’ll receive a temporary keyfob that can be deactivated after their visit. Any lost key cards can also be disabled to prevent unauthorized access, and employees can be granted access to their designated work areas strictly during their shifts.
4. Intrusion Detection Systems
When authorized access is attempted on an organization’s property, intrusion detection systems immediately notify security personnel, emergency response teams, and other relevant individuals to ensure their rapid response. Any trespassers can be caught and appropriately dealt with before they can cause any significant damage or disruption.
Key features in instruction detection systems can include:
- Alarm control panels
- Glass break detectors
- Environmental sensors
- Remote access control
- 24-hour alarm monitoring
Intrusion detection systems are most effective for small businesses with larger premises, as surveillance cameras may not adequately cover all areas. Businesses housing highly valuable inventory and equipment will benefit the most from intrusion detection since the systems can monitor the premises outside business hours and provide security without needing overnight staff.
The Best Small Business Security Strategies
Alongside implemented security systems, small businesses can integrate various strategies to increase their defense and enhance their ability to adapt to physical and cyber security threats. Here are the top small business security strategies for safeguarding your premises and everyone on them:
1. Regular Risk Assessments
Risk assessments can provide key insights into a business’s vulnerabilities, potential threats, and overall security posture, allowing targeted strategies to be executed. Small businesses risk misallocating resources without conducting risk assessments, which reduces their effectiveness and may result in unnecessary expenses.
Through risk assessments, businesses can identify external and internal threats and prioritize them based on their impact and likelihood of occurrence. Regularly completing risk assessments also enables businesses to review new or evolving news and adjust strategies accordingly.
2. Employee Background Checks
Although security systems, such as electronic access control and surveillance cameras, can deter theft or other undesirable employee activities, conducting thorough background checks is fundamental to establishing a strong defense against internal threats.
Background checks allow small businesses to vet potential employees and disqualify candidates that could threaten their security, such as those with repeated convictions, pending charges, or a history of violence. Character or personality assessments can also be conducted to gain a further understanding of each potential candidate’s personality. This gives businesses additional insight into their honesty and reliability, among other important characteristics.
By conducting background checks, small businesses can save money associated with security over time, as a trustworthy workforce will reduce the likelihood of financial losses from internal theft.
3. Cybersecurity Defence Measures
Cyber attacks can threaten businesses of all sizes, causing severe disruptions, substantial financial losses, and even legal repercussions. While large businesses have large budgets to employ dedicated cybersecurity teams, smaller businesses may have limited resources. However, small businesses can still implement strategies to increase their defense against cyber threats.
Top examples of small business cybersecurity solutions include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Requires employees to use multiple forms of verification, including passwords and biometrics, to access sensitive systems and data.
- Data backup systems: The addition of automated systems that back up critical data to ensure quick recovery in the event of ransomware attacks or similar cyber threats.
- Employee training: Educates employees about cybersecurity best practices, such as identifying phishing attempts and reporting suspicious emails.
- Anti-virus software: Installed on all business devices to ensure the detection and removal of malicious software such as viruses before they can cause irreversible damage.
As with physical security strategies, businesses are advised to regularly review their cybersecurity measures through assessments to analyze their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
Ensure Large-Scale Protection for Your Small Business With American Security Force
At American Security Force, we serve businesses of all sizes and industries.
We understand the importance of tailored defense systems and ensure that all our security solutions are scalable, cost-effective, and customized to suit our clients’ needs.
If you’re a small business owner interested in implementing security systems and strategies, contact us today for a quote or more information. We’ll analyze your business’s risk level and specific needs, among other factors, to devise a suitable solution that incorporates our innovative security technology.
