No business is immune to the risk of physical attacks or cyber-attacks. In fact, businesses of all sizes and industries are at risk. However, there are steps you can take to help protect your business from these threats. This article will discuss physical and cyber security measures you can take to safeguard your business.
Security for Physical Premises
You must ensure that your physical premises are safe from attacks or break-ins. For instance, if operating a gun store, you must use secure firearm display cabinets that can be locked up. If anyone breaks in, they still cannot get into the cabinets. You should also have security cameras installed inside and outside your business. This will help to deter criminals and also aid in identifying any offenders.
In addition, you should make sure that all doors and windows are locked when the business is closed. You must have an alarm system and ensure that it is adequately armed. Connect it to the nearest police department, so they are automatically notified as soon as it is activated.
You may even consider hiring security guards to patrol the premises, primarily if your business is in a high-crime area. This is the best way to deter criminals.
Cyber Security Measures
You can take several cyber security measures to protect your business from online threats. Firstly, you should ensure that all software on your computers is up-to-date. This includes the operating system and any applications you are using. Outdated software is one of the most common ways for hackers to access systems.
You should have a strong password policy in place. This means all passwords must be complex, with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. They should be changed on a regular basis. In addition, you should never use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised, the others will be as well.
It is also important to back up your data continuously in real-time. You should store backups off-site, in case of a fire or flood at your premises. This way, if your system is hacked and data is lost or corrupted, you will still have a copy of it. You can immediately resume operations.
Install the best cybersecurity software you can afford and hire cybersecurity professionals to manage your system. They will test your protection from time to time to ensure that it is impenetrable. They will also be available 24/7 to instantly act on any breach.
You should consider investing in cyber security insurance. This can help to cover the costs of any damages incurred as a result of a cyber-attack, as well as the costs of recovery.
Cybersecurity Laws That Apply to US Companies
Remember that cybersecurity laws hold you accountable for the loss or exposure of your clients’ personal information. If your system is breached, your clients can sue you for damages. You will also be faced with steep fines.
There are a number of cybersecurity laws that apply to companies in the US. The most important one is the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). This law requires companies to take steps to protect the personal information of their patients. This includes ensuring that their systems are secure and that employees are properly trained in data security.
In addition, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has enacted a number of regulations relating to data security. These include the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which requires financial institutions to protect the personal information of their customers, and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which requires websites to get parental consent before collecting any personal information from children.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act also applies to companies when it comes to data security. This law requires public companies to disclose any material weaknesses in their internal controls over financial reporting.
It is important to note that these are just some laws that apply to companies in the US. There are many more at the state and local levels. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with a lawyer to ensure that you are in compliance with all relevant laws.
In addition, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies to companies that process the personal data of EU citizens, regardless of where the company is located. The GDPR imposes strict requirements on companies when it comes to data security.
Therefore, if you are doing business in the US or the EU, you need to take cybersecurity seriously. Failure to do so could result in costly fines and lawsuits.
Protect Your Business on All Fronts
Taking physical and cyber security measures is essential to protect your business. You should have an alarm system, a strong password policy, and continuous data backup. You should also consider investing in cyber security insurance.
Remember that you are accountable for the loss or exposure of your clients’ personal information under various cybersecurity laws. Therefore, it is essential that you consult with a lawyer to ensure compliance. By taking both physical and cyber security measures, you can help to protect your business from attacks.