Security tips
- Protect your PC with a carefully chosen password – and lock it every time you leave your desk.
- Keep a clean desktop and save your documents and files to the network server.
- Bin all confidential waste in the shredding bin – and make sure it’s shredded regularly.
- Lock away all sensitive material – when you leave for the evening - for lunch, for a meeting.
- Restrict access to network files – to senior management only.
- Access cards allow you and your staff to move around your premises easily – without having to punch in door codes, remember passwords.
- Don’t keep personal pin codes, account numbers in your office diary – they’re just as vulnerable in the office as they are at home.
- Keep petty cash in a robust safe, which is timed and offers limited and named access.
- Back doors need as much security as the front – particularly for busy goods entrances, warehouse deliveries.
- Conduct regular fire drills and make sure you keep a list of who’s in your office including all visitors.
- Keep a list of up to date contact numbers for al your staff, especially keyholders.
- Close windows, unplug radios, TVs and turn out the lights.
- Unplug your phone charger and don’t allow it to overheat throughout the night.
- Close blinds – don’t leave your PCs and office equipment exposed.
- If you’re the last to leave your department, let your colleagues in other departments know that they may be the last ones in the building.
- If you have your own office, make sure you lock the door – but leave a spare set of keys somewhere else in the building to be used in the event of an emergency.
- Make sure back doors, storage areas and stock rooms are well secured before you leave the building.
- Set up a security policy in your company – and make sure your staff follow it. They all need to know what the procedures are for their own personal safety and the security of the premises.
- Always switch your alarm system on when you leave the office for the night.
- Switch alarm on – but assign a safe area for you, any security or night staff to circulate freely as they go about their work.
- Install panic buttons where you’re likely to need them: behind a counter, in the bathrooms, beside the front and back doors.
- If you’re out for a breath of fresh air, always bring your mobile phone, access cards, keys with you and make sure you can easily get back into the building.
- Install lights in the car park – to guide you safely to your car when you leave for the night.
- In the event of any break-in, do not take any personal risk and make sure your staff know this too.
In the office
- Save all your documents to the network server – regularly.
- Password protect your pcs, your emails – and any other important software.
- Keep a daily back up copy of all your files – off-site (whether that’s at your home or a data storage company).
- Get into the habit of filing and deleting your emails every day.
Out of the office
- Don’t leave your laptop visible in the back of your car or van – take it with you at all times .
- Make sure your laptop, blackberry or any hand held devices are password protected.
- Transfer any documents from your laptop to your office network as soon as you’re back in the office.
- Keep your USB keys clean and prevent a build up of files.
- Talk to your IT provider about a comprehensive security audit.
Remember: Your office network – with off-site back up - is the safest place to store any company information so make sure you use it. Get into the habit of saving, filing and deleting – every day.
Find out what the best security solution is for you and your business.