Turning Your Small Business into a Fortress: 6 Factors in Securing its Providence

Many small business owners mistakenly believe that because of their small size, they are unlikely to fall victim to the same threats as a bigger business. This isn't the case at all. There are a vast array of threats. Here are a few to consider: 

Data Breach Protection
In a study conducted by Verizon in 2012, 71 percent of 855 data breaches occurred in businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The number of attacks continue to increase. Basic practices such as secure passwords, anti-virus and firewall protection, and controlled access to information are not the only ways to protect yourself. Become PCI compliant. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is the most thorough and up to date security protocol. Secondly, make use of services that are PCI compliant, such as TransFirst’s secure processing platform. Remember encryption, encryption, and encryption. 

Legal
The threat of lawsuits come from employees, clients, and other businesses. Legally protect your personal assets by becoming a Limited Liability Company. This separates your personal assets from your business assets, so they cannot be lost in a lawsuit. 
Agreements should be in writing. Oral agreements are easily misinterpreted and difficult to defend in court. Interview lawyers and insurance agencies and make sure you understand what risks you could be held accountable for. Keep a detailed log of anything significant that occurs when dealing with customers, employees, and other businesses. 

Physical Security
20 to 30 percent of small businesses take no security precautions at all other than a bell on the door. A small investment in cameras and / or an alarm system will put you ahead of the curve. 
IP based camera systems are now the norm and can be monitored remotely from a smartphone app. There are various choices in price, but the desirable features are infrared lights, remote control, audio, wireless encryption, motion detection, night vision, and computer recording software. All of these features are included in cameras ranging from $100 - $300 per camera. Depending on where your office is located and the level of security needed, it might be requisite to consider higher security fencing and gates.

Competition
Your small business might be a fortress in every way, but if you cannot keep up with the competition, you are simply done. 
Look at your business and that of your competitors through the eyes of customers or clients. This cannot be taught, and if you are unable to do so, consider rewarding your customers for their opinions. Offer rewards for taking surveys or for great suggestions if you put them into effect. The better employer you are, the better atmosphere your employees will create. They are the face of your company, and part of your image. 
In addition, the inside and outside and the appearance of your employees should be pleasant to look at. If you can improve something, improve it. 
Plan for growth but do not put the plan into action until you know it’s the right time. 

Trademark
If you haven’t done so, you may want to consider registering your trademark. Doing so protects words, names, symbols, logos and services associated with your business. The fastest way to register is on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s website: http://www.uspto.gov/. This site also has a tool you will want to use to make sure your trademark isn't already in use by another similar service. The application process takes approximately 90 minutes and costs around $300. You should receive a response within six months. 

Fortify Against Natural Disaster
Insurance will play a role here, but to protect yourself further, consider steel door entrances and shatter resistant windows. There are several types of building enhancements to consider that will protect not only against weather, but break-ins, theft, and general mischief. 

Effectively utilizing knowledge of these 6 factors can bring you a long way in the fortification of your small business against surprise attacks by physical and cyber theft, weather damage resulting in loss of valuable equipment or merchandise, financial downfall, and fatal legal pitfalls. Staying educated in updated information and thorough preparation for issues in each department is key to staying protected. 

Information provided by Lynx Brand Fence Products Ltd., an Edmonton fencing company.