Whether you own a large or small business, you should never take business security lightly. In our ever-changing world, it is essential to safeguard your company from both exterior and interior dangers. One of the most reliable methods to do so is investing in an effective business security system! Such a system protects data, assets, and personnel and reduces potential losses significantly.
At Mohawk Networks, we have helped many businesses of all sizes implement a comprehensive security system to protect their company data. Let’s explore the advantages of having a quality business security system and debunk some common misconceptions about the implementation process.
What is a Business Security System?
A business security system is a comprehensive system that incorporates a range of hardware and software, including surveillance cameras, biometric readers for access control, alarm systems, and physical barriers like gates or fences to ensure the safety of your employees, customers, and property. When these components are joined together in one integrated system, it provides unparalleled protection to businesses from potential threats.
Components of Business Security Systems
The essential elements of commercial security systems include the following:
- Access control systems
- CCTV cameras
- Intrusion detection systems
- Fire alarms
- Sprinkler systems
- Alarm monitoring services
- Locksmith services
- Employee training
By implementing the right combination of these features, you can create an effective protection plan that keeps your staff safe while allowing them to work efficiently within their designated areas. However, it’s vital to learn more about each of these before you decide which ones fit your business best.
Surveillance Systems (CCTV)
CCTV, or closed-circuit television, is a video surveillance system that uses cameras to transmit video feeds and related data to specific monitors or other recording devices. CCTV systems are not only useful for businesses but also in public areas like schools and malls. They can provide security to residential locations such as apartments and gated neighborhoods. CCTV provides an extra layer of security for people by allowing them to monitor their surroundings in real-time.
DVR CCTV Systems
The most common type of CCTV system is the digital video recorder (DVR). It records footage directly onto a hard drive, allowing users to store large amounts of video data without running out of space quickly. This feature also enables users to review footage at any time if needed later. Additionally, many DVRs come with motion detection features that alert users when suspicious activity is outside or around their property.
Wireless CCTV Systems
Wireless CCTV systems have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their ease of use and installation costs compared to wired models. Wireless models don’t require extensive wiring since all components communicate with each other over radio waves rather than physical cable connections. In addition to being cheaper than wired models, wireless CCTV systems also provide higher levels of flexibility since the cameras can be moved around easily if necessary.
Alarm System
It’s important to note that having good surveillance equipment isn’t enough. You need to have an effective alarm system in place to alert staff quickly in case of any intrusion attempts or suspicious activity. Alarm systems come in different forms, including:
- Audible alarms that make a sound when triggered
- Silent alarms, which send alerts directly to professional monitoring centers
- Monitored alarms, which allow remote access via internet-connected devices such as smartphones and tablets
Some businesses rely on a combination of alarm types to best protect their property. For example, a business may choose to use both monitored alarms and silent alarms. Monitored alarms are helpful if you need to know exactly what’s going on behind closed doors, even when you’re away from the premises. Silent alarms can trigger after hours, alerting the police that something is wrong while the criminal continues to work and assumes they’ve gotten away with their crime.
Monitoring Services
Monitoring services are an invaluable tool for gaining insight into the functionality of computer networks, applications, and other systems throughout the company. This service receives alerts from the security sensors and responds accordingly, such as contacting the authorities or dispatching security personnel. It also tracks user activity and may notify the appropriate people when suspicious or otherwise related activity is detected in a digital setting. A company may use monitoring services to automate specific tasks, such as updating software or running maintenance scripts.
Access Control Systems
Businesses should consider access control systems used to restrict access to certain areas within their premises. This component is the brain of the security system. It manages all the sensors and alarms and sends alerts to the monitoring service. You can easily secure any area with various access control systems, such as keypad locks, swipe cards, and biometric readers.
Many modern access control systems also come with advanced features such as remote monitoring capabilities and real-time text message or email alerts when suspicious activity is detected at the premises. This real-time alerting allows businesses and organizations to stay up-to-date on what’s happening on their premises at all times so that they can respond quickly if necessary.
Firewalls and Anti-Virus Software
Businesses should also consider effective ways of safeguarding data stored electronically with a digital security system. After all, cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly common nowadays due to advancements in technology and criminals becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods of attack. To guard against cybercrime, businesses must invest in measures such as firewalls and anti-virus software solutions and develop strong passwords that attackers cannot easily guess.
Encryption Algorithms
Businesses that handle confidential information can benefit from incorporating encryption algorithms into their total security to protect their data and prevent access by unauthorized individuals. By encrypting the data before sending it offsite, these systems ensure that only authorized users are permitted access. For ultimate security, ensure the encryption algorithms work alongside other forms of access control systems.
Employee Training
Having a sound security system is only part of the solution; having effective policies and procedures that staff members are aware of, trained on, and expected to follow is also vital for protecting businesses from potential threats. Policies should revolve around safety. Examples include:
- Remembering to lock your computer before stepping away from the desk
- Securing doors and windows when leaving the premises
- Changing passwords frequently
- Never accessing confidential information through public networks or devices
- Alerting a manager or security business officer instantly if something seems off.
Common Misconceptions About Business Security Systems
Business security systems are often misunderstood, leading to misconceptions about their effectiveness and purpose. Misconceptions arise from a lack of understanding of the different types of systems available and how they operate and misunderstandings regarding the cost associated with installation and maintenance.
Expensive and Complex
One misconception is that business security systems are costly or difficult to install. This perception is not true; as many commercial security systems can be installed quickly and easily by professionals. Similarly, while many assume that they must hire a technician to continually maintain their system, this is also untrue. While having a dedicated technician is a good option, most modern business security systems are designed with self-monitoring capabilities so that owners can stay on top of any potential problems or issues.
Only Useful for Crime Prevention
Another common misconception about business security systems is that they are only helpful in deterring break-ins and theft. In reality, these systems have multiple uses beyond crime prevention. For example, many businesses use motion detectors to detect intrusions during off-hours or even days when the businesses are closed. Video surveillance cameras can also be used to monitor employee activities during work hours, for example, or alarm monitoring can alert authorities to potential fires or other hazardous conditions at a property.
Ineffective Security System
Some people think that business security systems provide no real value because it’s assumed criminals will find ways around them regardless. While it’s true that criminals may try to bypass these measures in some cases, research has shown that an effective security system deters criminals from attempting any intrusion in the first place. This deterrent is why a security system is still valuable for businesses today.
Only for Large Businesses
Some think that only large corporations need security systems. But the truth is, no matter how small your business may be, you, too, are at risk for potential threats to your operations and image, both digitally and physically. Protecting yourself with up-to-date security measures should be paramount to maintain success as an organization.
Not Necessary for Low-Risk Businesses
Though some think a business with minimal security risks is exempt from needing safety measures, even organizations that are not at high-risk can benefit greatly from being equipped with surveillance systems. Not only will they deter theft and other criminal activities, but provide immense peace of mind as well.
Are You ready to Implement a Security System for Your Business?
You understand how important it is for companies like yours to have an effective business security system. At Mohawk Networks, we offer a variety of up-to-date security measures that can help protect your organization from potential threats. We encourage businesses to take advantage of our business security system services so they can remain successful and maintain peace of mind! Contact us today to learn more about our business services.
