Business Security Information

Businesses just like yours spend time, money and energy every day trying to protect their assets from a variety of security issues.  How do you know if you are expending that time, money and energy covering the right security issues?

This month I came across a survey of security directors from a variety of companies that covered the major security issues they face and the cost of security incidents when they did occur.  I will highlight some of that information in this article so you can see the type and cost of a variety of security issues.  You can use this information to evaluate if you are addressing the right security issues in your own business.  Here is the list of security issues based on the highest annual dollar losses to the lowest dollar losses:

On a recent trip, I stopped for gasoline and a snack at a convenience store along the highway.  When I entered the store, I noticed a bulletproof enclosure (also called bandit barriers) had been installed at the cashier’s counter.  It was different from other ones I had seen used in check-cashing businesses and banks in that it moved horizontally. The cashier could simply press a switch, and the bulletproof cashier window would open or close.  During the day when the risk of robbery may be less, the window could be left open.  In this way, interaction with customers could occur more easily, and it did not appear as intimidating to those visiting the convenience store.

In my last article, I wrote about the importance of padlocks and gates.   I also mentioned that chain link fences do not really provide good security for a storage yard or lot.  In most situations, metal fence type barriers (such as in the pictures) provide better security than chain link fences.  The pictures show a good security solution for protecting huge equipment tires but would provide no real security if you were trying to protect smaller stored items or against someone trying to steal parts from your equipment or vehicles.  Always choose a security solution that will fit your needs and provide adequate security for what you are trying to protect.

I have written numerous articles covering the different elements and aspects of security, but one issue I have never touched on is the importance of having quality information to make good security decisions for your business.  Quality or complete information is key to any business decision including security issues, but most businesses fail to track security incidents or issues at their company.  I have worked with a lot of small and medium-sized businesses over the years, and I have not run into one yet who does.

If you do not have a background in security, you might not have heard the term “bollards” or you may have heard the word used and not understood what it meant.  Well, the word “bollard” usually refers to a 4-inch or greater diameter pipe which is usually filled with concrete and is embedded or secured into a concrete base.  Most everyone reading this article has seen a bollard if they have ever been to a Best Buy or other big retail store because they are located at the main entrance.  Refer to the pictures in this article for examples of different types of bollards.

Why Background Checks?

As of today, the economy is still in a recession, and anytime there is a downturn in the economy it can affect the honesty of those in your hiring pool. In other words, those seeking a position may exaggerate their qualifications and experience or neglect to report previous criminal records or disciplinary action. Usually during times like these the number of potential candidates for a position increases allowing you to be more selective, but the need to weed out unwanted candidates is also greater. A background check is one tool that can assist you in the selection process.