7 People Who Could Be A Hidden Security Threat To Your Business
04 Aug 2022
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
Not all crime against businesses is committed by complete strangers. Sometimes it’s the people you know who can be a threat. While you shouldn’t be paranoid that everyone around you is a thief, it is important to take some caution with certain people. Below are just 7 types of people that could be a hidden security threat, and what you can do to protect your business against these threats.
Customers
Your customers are your biggest security threat – particularly those who visit your premises. While it’s important for your company’s reputation to make customers feel welcome, you need to keep an eye on those who may have malicious intentions. It’s worth setting up restricted access to areas like offices and store cupboards where you may not want customers going. Installing security cameras within your premises can also help you to pick up on criminal behavior ranging from shoplifting to public injury fraud.
Job applicants
While it’s rare, some criminals will try to gain access to restricted areas of your company premises by pretending to be applicants. For this reason, you should always closely accompany applicants and not leave them anywhere alone for too long. Of course, it’s vital that you don’t hire any applicants who may be looking to commit a crime from the inside. Criminal background checks are always worthwhile during the hiring process. You should also restrict access to sensitive information until you truly trust employees.
Remote employees
Allowing employees to work remotely may result in sensitive information being allowed out of the office. It may not be your remote workers that are the threat, but possibly other hackers who may be able to easily steal data from these workers. It’s worth encouraging remote workers to use a VPN to protect their data. There are also tools that you can set up to monitor remote employees’ work if you’re really concerned about information leaking out.
Ex-employees
Ex-employees could be a big threat too – particularly those who leave on bad terms. Some ex-employees have been known to leak information like passwords or even break into old workplaces. Consider changing passwords whenever employees leave. Using key card readers, you can also deactivate the cards of ex-employees so that they no longer have access.
Cleaning and maintenance
Professional cleaners and maintenance staff could have access to restricted areas. Vetting and monitoring these visitors could be worthwhile if you do not trust them. When it comes to cleaners who are hired on an ongoing basis, consider whether it’s more secure to organize cleaning while you or someone else is in the office rather than when no one is in the office. Alternatively, consider setting up video cameras within your premises to monitor these visitors.
‘Official’ inspectors
Some people may try to pose as official inspectors simply to gain access to restricted areas. You should be wary of any inspectors that have not notified you beforehand that they will be coming. It’s also worth asking these inspectors for ID to check that they are the real deal.
Other visitors
There may be other people who visit your premises such as volunteers on work experience, delivery men and suppliers. Make sure to similarly be wary of these visitors. Asking for ID and giving every visitor a lanyard is a popular way to maintain security.
Cheers,
Big Daddy
If you are a PR agency or brand and would like me to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca
Craig Silva
Craig is a husband, father, team leader, travel and food writer, senior youth group coordinator, designer, brander, community builder, volunteer, and social media strategist. He likes to travel, go camping, go on road trips, watch movies, build stuff, operate the grill, and sing with his band. Craig is a member of the Travel Media Association of Canada. If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.
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