Security has become a major concern for most companies. Eighty-two percent of company boards are concerned about cybersecurity, according to a report by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association and the RSA Conference. Seventy-five percent of U.S. CEOs are eyeing significant cybersecurity investments over the next few years, a KPMG survey found. Meanwhile traditional security remains a major concern as well, with employee theft costing U.S. businesses an average of $1.13 million per incident in 2016, according to a Hiscox study.
In the face of these security threats, having an effective security policy is essential for maintaining long-term profitability and business success. Here are three ways you can keep your company digitally and physically secure.
Protect Your Digital Perimeter
Five basic tools can help you lay a solid foundation for digital cybersecurity, says computer science expert Felix Tarcomnicu. Your first line of defense is your firewall. Traditionally, firewalls are deployed at a network’s external perimeter, but the latest best practice is to add internal firewalls as well. Your IT team can configure your firewall to only allow certain types of traffic.
Making the most of your router’s security features is another important best practice. Today’s best routers have a number of built-in security features, including Intrusion Defense System, Intrusion Prevention System, service and traffic tool, and Virtual Private Network encryption functionality.
Using Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) for your network can also strengthen your security. Two other cybersecurity tools you should be sure to deploy are strong email spam filters and sound web security strategies such as AV scanning, malware scanning and IP reputation awareness.
Secure Your Physical Premises
It’s also important to secure your physical premises. Swapping your standard locks out for stronger locks should be a priority, says Security Magazine. Most standard doors have knob or lever-handle locks, which aren’t very secure. For stronger security, use mortise locks or jimmy-proof deadbolts.
Good lighting in your parking lot and building perimeter, security cameras outside and inside your building, and alarm systems equipped with motion sensors are three other keys to a good physical security system. One of today’s best security camera options for temporary sites are mobile surveillance units, which are easy to install and convenient to monitor from any location using a mobile device. Mobile surveillance units and other security camera systems can be integrated with your lighting and alarm systems for a comprehensive physical security approach. Deploying security cameras inside your building can also help you guard against theft.
Guard Your Intellectual Property
Protecting your intellectual property should be another component of a complete security strategy. In today’s information-oriented society, IP can constitute as much as 80 percent of a company’s total value, according to an Ocean Tomo study.
Good cybersecurity forms one line of defense for protecting your intellectual property. You should also have an agreement which states that all intellectual property developed by members of your organization belongs to your company, as well as non-disclosure agreements for employees and contractors, says BrewerLong business and branding attorney Ashley Brewer. Additionally, register your trademarks, along with any applicable patents. Talk to a patent attorney for advice.
If you don’t take steps to adequately protect or trademark your IP, you may find yourself engaged in an arduous litigation process, with Heer Law noting that this will often result in court proceedings.
Protecting your digital perimeter, securing your physical premises, and guarding your intellectual property form three pillars of a comprehensive security strategy. Implementing these imperatives will help keep your business secure and your company profitable.
