Directory of computer network security services, network protection, and network security management companies. Hire a network security specialist to help with a security policy.
www.business.com/technology/network-security-services/As computer technology becomes more advanced, hackers and cyber criminals are devising new ways to harm you and your computer. Luckily, there are several Internet security essentials that users can take to protect against these threats.
www.business.com/internet/internet-security-essentials/Internet security software is often the last line of defense between your computer and these malicious activities. The best Internet security software will offer antivirus and anti-spyware protection, a layer of identity theft protection, and anti-ph...
www.business.com/internet/internet-security-software/White papers and other resources concerning web site security.
www.business.com/internet/internet-security-information-resources/Source: /guides/internet-blocking-and-filtering-118/
The Internet has created innumerable opportunities for small business. But it has also created new challenges, one of which is the problem of unauthorized and potentially harmful or costly Web surfing by employees. Read More »
Not too long ago, a long-predicted technology shift to T1 Internet access seriously began to happen -- more people than not use the Internet every day in their work, and for some it has become indispensable to have a T1 Internet line. As software, collaboration, communication, even basic accounting and word processing, move onto the web full time, a T1 line will become a crucial part of your business productivity plans. Read More »
Every business organization needs to understand the significance of a security system. Quite often, small businesses do not make this a priority because they do not perceive themselves to be targets. The reason for this is that they do not consider themselves big market players. This line of thinking can be risky, and it should be avoided at all costs. There are many reasons why someone would target a small business. Many large corporations have expensive and modern security systems. This makes smaller businesses a more likely target because they do not have the resources to cope with a potential security break-in.
Benefits
Worker Safety
With an on-site security team, you can guarantee the safety of your workers while on your business’s property. This allows for workers to concentrate on what they were hired to do rather than on their own personal safety. This increases productivity, which increases potential profit. When workers feel safe, they will usually stay with a company longer, creating a long-lasting business/employee relationship that results in loyalty. The U.S. Department of Commerce states that employee dishonesty can cost business owners an average $50 billion per year. This statistic can be drastically decreased by installing security equipment.
Reduced Product Loss
Having security deters many types of people and situations that could cause problems or steal products. When a criminal sees the presence of a security officer, it decreases the chance that the criminal will commit a crime around that property. This is because that person knows there is trained opposition who will try to stop any type of criminal activity, particularly theft. Most criminals won’t even attempt their original plans if a security officer is present.
Customer Safety
Not only does security provide worker safety, but it provides a sense of safety during a customer’s potential shopping experience.
Security officers, cameras and metal detectors are all forms of preventative security that will catch crimes in progress and/or deter them. When a customer sees these types of systems implemented, it encourages a peace of mind that is invaluable when securing a return shopper.
Reduced Property Vandalism
The presence of any type of security will also reduce the amount of possible vandalism to your property. A lack of surveillance may encourage vandals to attack and possibly destroy the property. When it is obvious that cameras or security officers are present, many vandals will not even attempt to hurt or vandalize the property.
Pitfalls
If your company handles sensitive, confidential information on a regular basis, securing your business is a must to protect its contents and employees. Implementing a high-level security system can significantly deter theft, vandalism, and other acts of crime but should not be relied on to provide a completely secure environment for you and your employees.
Amount of Equipment
Your business may require an extensive security system to help protect the building, employees, and hardware and equipment, including computers. Doing so is not a simple task, and depending on the size of the business and building, a complete security system may involve hundreds of cameras, lighting, access points, and even security personnel to patrol the building around the clock.
Cost of Equipment
While prices for video surveillance, alarm systems, access control systems, and other features are continuously improving along with their quality, the cost for a total security system can run some businesses tens of thousands of dollars. Some systems such as alarms and patrolmen require an ongoing financial investment for their continued use. A new business may not have a large enough budget to provide for every aspect of a thorough security system.
Susceptible to Human Damage
While the sight of video surveillance and other security equipment is usually enough to deter most people, more brazen trespassers may ignore the risk of being caught and attempt to damage whatever equipment they can get their hands on. Alarm keypads and video cameras are especially vulnerable to attack, and intruders can simply smash them to cause permanent damage. This will require you to pay for repairs or replacements.
Maintenance
While it is rare for video surveillance and alarm systems to fail completely, they may need periods of maintenance or a complete overhaul of their systems to ensure proper working order. Each system should be checked over occasionally to make sure there are no glitches or malfunctions. For alarm systems, you will most likely need to keep your service provider updated with any changes, like the switching of telephone lines. Staff members will need to be trained to use the new security system, which can take anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour. When new employees are hired you’ll have to repeat the process. Along with the obvious expenses, maintaining a security system also requires an investment of your time.
Pricing
The numerous types of security available for your business vary greatly in price. Your business and the security company will agree upon the exact price, which will be based on your specific needs. Given that, according to the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, “employee dishonesty [alone] costs business owners around $50 billion a year,” it is easy to understand the merits of the high cost of security.
Alarm Systems
Setting up an alarm system for your business can cost from $100 to over $4,000 for both installation and equipment. The more expensive systems are more complex and offer additional features. A monthly fee should also be expected.
Card Access
Card access systems can vary significantly in price and are harder to predict. Typically, for a single door, the price ranges from $1,500 to $2,500. As additional doors are added, the fee per door tends to lessen.
Surveillance
Video surveillance system costs will include both camera and storage. Cameras can cost from a few hundred dollars to as much as $600 or more, depending on your needs. Storage devices will be required as well. DVR equipment ranges from $500 to over $1,000, while VCRs can be used with less complex systems for around $200.
Conclusion
There are many reasons why a security system is important for your business. It not only protects your workers from potential harm, but also your customers too. These customers should be given the utmost care because they are the group that drives your business’s growth. If they don’t feel that your business is secure enough, then they simply won’t come back. Despite this fact, security systems can be quite expensive, making it hard for small businesses to invest in one. Additionally, security systems will require regular maintenance checkups to ensure that everything is functioning properly.
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No matter where you work or what field you work in, you must have some form of Internet security in place. Security measures are as important for the small business owner as they are for the billion-dollar corporation. The measures not only protect you and your private information, but also the private information of your customers.
You would never leave a list of customer credit card numbers sitting on an open counter or table, but without the right security measures, you may do something similar. Hackers and thieves can quickly access any information on your office computer, gaining access to payroll, account information, customer emails or credit card numbers, and even the routing number and account number for your bank.
Your best bet is hiring an IT specialist with experience in security precautions. The specialist spends a few hours going over any computers in your office and finds any holes or risks that hackers use. The specialist then suggests a series of methods that protect the information. Depending on the size of your business, you may want a full-time IT specialist on hand for potential problems.
Business.com provides information on Internet issues, including Internet security. Check out the links for answers to any of your questions.
