During the holidays, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to keep your business safe and secure. Here are some business security tips and best practices you can implement right away:
Make Sure That All of Your Security Equipment Is in Working Order
Now is the right time to a quick audit of your security systems to make sure that they’re working properly and can thus protect your business efficiently. Some equipment and systems to test include:
- Surveillance cameras
- Locks and access control systems
- Alarm systems
- Panic buttons
- Smoke detectors
- Cybersecurity software
- Remote monitoring and surveillance systems
When testing equipment like motion sensors and surveillance cameras, you should ensure that nothing is obstructing their proper function, including furniture and holiday decorations.
Be Safe While Using Public Wi-Fi 
Many business users now work on the road or check their work emails while away from the office during the holiday break. Connecting to business systems and other IT resources while using a public Wi-Fi network, such as those found in restaurants and shopping malls, can carry various security risks. If you have employees that will be working remotely during the holidays, you should protect your company’s data by using a virtual private network (VPN).
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and the resources they access on the Internet. This helps prevent various types of attacks by cybercriminals.
Keep Your Alarm Company Updated on Your Holiday Hours
There’s a chance that you’re going to have a different work schedule during the holidays. If this is the case, you should let your alarm monitoring service know when you’re open and closed, allowing them to watch for suspicious activity more efficiently. You should also take the time to update your emergency call list, so they can get in touch with designated employees should the alarm sound.
Review Security Policies With Your Team Members
An effective business security policy is one that all employees understand and follow. You should take some time to go through your security policy with your employees. Some of the main points to review are:
- The company’s IT security policies, especially if several of your employees will be working remotely during the holiday season.
- Rules related to inviting guests on company premises during holiday functions.
- Action plans in case of an emergency.
- Procedures for securing valuables on your premises while everyone is out of the office on holiday break.
Ensure Everything Is Locked Before Leaving for the Holidays
While this is one of the most simple and straightforward security tips, a surprising number of business owners neglect it during the holidays. Before you leave your premises for the holidays, you should ensure that everything is properly closed and locked. This includes every door and window. By doing so, you can keep burglars from getting easy access to your offices.
