Keeping Your Business Safe Over The Holidays

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Keeping your business safe is perhaps no more important than over the holidays. You may not be open to keeping an eye on things, and crime increases over this period. So what can you do? From security sweeps to hiding expensive stock, here are some security suggestions. 

Test the Security Systems

You can have all the latest security gadgets and systems in the world, but they are no good if you don’t know how they work, how to maintain them, and how to arm them. Before closing up during the busy holiday periods, and when you are shuttering for a prolonged period, make sure you check that the business security camera systems are working. Also, consider changing the alarm code and notifying any security services of your plans for closure during the holidays.

Sweep the Premises

You might think you have a secure business, but there are always improvements that can be made. Before closing up for the holidays, ensure you make some final checks. Small checks like locking all doors, securing the windows, and even ensuring everyone has left the building can make a huge difference. When you are closing up for an extended period, you need to know your business is going to be okay, and the smallest inspections will add to a robust procedure.

Keeping Your Business Safe from Cyber Criminals

Cyberattacks actually increase by around 30% over the holidays, and 72% of companies that experience cybercrime do so during a national holiday. So are VPNs the ultimate defense against hackers? Not really. VPNs can help, but it takes a lot more than a single app to secure a business against cyber criminals. Features like MFA add an extra layer of security to sensitive accounts. It also helps to run software updates and educate the staff about cybersecurity.

Secure Expensive Inventory

Expensive things are like catnip to thieves. Don’t give them the satisfaction of helping themselves to your stock by leaving it out on display. Not everything needs to be secured away, but criminals will target the most in-demand and expensive items over the holiday period. When you can’t be there, ensure your stuff is put away. For example, secure electronics in a security cage inside a secure warehouse. Or invest in a quality safe for smaller items like jewelry.

Check and Renew Insurance Policies

When the worst happens, you don’t want Christmas ruined by losing everything. Insurance is one of those things that no one likes to pay for, but it is necessary. Ensure your policies are up to date before closing for the holidays or to protect your business during the busy period. Go over everything and make sure your business insurance covers theft and related crimes. It is also a good idea to check that your policies actually cover you over the holiday period.

Summary

A quick test of your security systems helps when keeping your business safe over the holiday period. And don’t forget about cybercrime, which actually spikes at this time of year. Also, double-check to make sure your insurance policies cover you for your needs over Christmas.