7 Tips to Rock Your Business Security
1. A full tank of Internet
Your car is going nowhere without gas in the tank. Nor is surveillance camera video going to be transmitted and received without plenty of Internet bandwidth. It is the fuel that your surveillance cameras gobble up, typically measured in bits (e.g., 100Kb/s, 1Mb/s, 1000Mb/s, etc.). And it takes a lot of bits to send video.
When planning your system, bandwidth is measured per camera. By adding up the bandwidth requirements of every camera within a system, the total load is determined.
First, you’re going to need some numbers. Time for an Internet speed test. It’s free and easy as any Google search will prove. We like to use this tool, though they all are similar. The results will supply you with both the upload speed and the download speed of your Internet connection.
Upload refers to how many megabits of data per second you can send information from your network’s location to another. Download speed refers to how fast you can receive information at your location
When it comes to remote viewing of IP security cameras a good upload speed is necessary at the point where the cameras are mounted and a good download speed is required where your viewing device (such as your phone) is located. The bottleneck is often the upload speed at the camera's location.
2. Shed some light on the subject
“There can be little doubt that one of the most effective ways of protecting a property is with the installation of outdoor security lighting...the mere presence of lighting is enough to put off many would-be intruders. Even emergency lighting can be a deterrent, with would-be thieves concerned that the building may be in use.”
from, “What’s the Benefit of Security Lighting,” CEF: Your Electrical Experts
Not only does glaring light instill a psychological barrier in criminals, but it also pays for itself in other ways. Effective illumination of both outdoor areas as well as building interiors improves the image quality of CCTV systems and can reduce the number of more expensive low-light IP security cameras needed.
Well-lit parking lots improve employee safety while also deterring vehicle break-ins. Late shift workers feel more protected when their movement to and from work is along an illuminated corridor.
3. Keep out!
It’s simple. You want the right folks inside and all others excluded.
An Access Control system keeps your employees, inventory, and buildings secure from unwanted visitors. It gives you complete control over those who enter your facilities and highly secured areas.
It’s a simple retrofit installation. Designated doors remain electronically locked. And once the system is in place and programmed, it’s self-operating. Hands-off unless adjusting the settings.
Former employees who might try to return are easily kept out by simply changing the code. And current employees have easy access by a key fob, card, or mobile credentials.
Business security is dramatically heightened when entry is selective.
- No more need for security personnel at entrances
- Doors are always locked. No need to remember at the day’s end
- Track employees’ attendance automatically
- Control access times for cleaning and maintenance personnel
- Eliminate liability issues from intrusive non-employees
- Keep out unpredictable, unwanted visitors
- Reduce theft
An inexpensive addition, Access Control dials your business security system up several notches!
4. Remote viewing
The best surveillance system in the world is ineffective without ready access.
You can’t be physically present at your business location around the clock. Yet you want to know, to see, what’s happening while you’re away. Email alerts only arouse suspicion if you can’t receive a visual of the incident that sets off the alarm. Nor are you always accessible to your tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Fortunately, modern surveillance systems offer access to security camera video footage via your smartphone or Android. You can view your security cameras from anywhere, anytime.
Now AI Analytics-Powered platforms take remote viewing a giant leap further. Our AI Analytics Platform allows you to see threat events in real-time, as they are happening.
5. Take cybersecurity seriously
There is no such condition as too secure. Whether we’re considering your security camera system, your business practices regarding the system’s password protection and access, all the way to the cybersecurity implemented by your equipment provider, each link must be strong.
How does your security system provider handle your personal data? Who within their company has access to your live video footage? Do they offer systems that allow you to control the level of access and decision-making among your employees to specific degrees? In other words, is your security system secure?
Another major cause for such alarm is but a few weeks past.
It becomes a “Buyer Beware” world when profit overrides promises and sellers say anything to push product. The surveillance camera industry is not exempt from such manipulation, making a mockery of the word security.
Take a look at the devastating results of cybersecurity ignored.
6. Clean up your act and throw up roadblocks
Visibility is enemy to a thief or vandal. Make your business setting, storage areas, and office spaces less inviting to them by establishing and maintaining neatness standards.
Remove hiding places by shelving or storing large items. Dispose of and break down empty cardboard boxes and other unused containers. Keeping floor areas free of inventory and trash is also a proactive safety measure.
The same applies to offices, employee break rooms, and retail selling space.
A clear and orderly business interior allows supervisors better line-of-sight detection of incidents while also providing enhanced exposure for surveillance cameras to record security threats. Keep in mind that the vast majority of business theft comes from employees. Your CCTV system is in place to watch them as well.
While you’re busily clearing, don’t forget to put up roadblocks.
7. Don't forget to lock up and check your doors!
Lastly, don't forget to double check your door and window locks. This may sound overly simplistic, but having sturdy locks or a well-built door goes a long way when you're protecting your business. We recommend doing these checks every month to make sure everything is functioning correctly.
However, if you're sick of using regular locks, it's not a bad idea to invest in a smart lock. This prevents you from having to worry about broken locks or lost keys.