office security

8 tips for office security during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

The following eight tips to creating robust office security will hopefully help you compile your list of must-dos during COVID-19 lockdown. However, the measures are also a general guide to the use of building security systems during any period where an office may be empty.

1. Remote monitoring — it’s not just about theft

   If you can’t physically be at your office, you can watch over it from afar. Modern IoT monitoring services allow you to utilize sensors to check various aspects of your building security.
   When a premise is left empty, it is not just burglars that are a threat. Arson or accidental fires can happen. Make sure that you remove any combustible material from the office before you close. A building security system that employs sensors to monitor various aspects of an office environment can also help prevent accidental or malicious fires.

2. CCTV — building security system with eyes Internet-connected cameras are an ideal office security measure to keep watch on your business premises remotely. Many systems are linked to a watch service which will receive an alert from the CCTV service if an intruder is identified. When you choose an IoT-enabled monitoring service, make sure that it has excellent cybersecurity features.

3. 1. Mobile patrols/business watch schemes

      You might want to consider using a mobile watch scheme or employ a professional patrol service to keep watch on your premises. This is especially useful if your buildings are in a high-risk area or you store valuable items.

   2. Paper money safety

      If you are a company that still keeps paper money in the office for sundry items, make sure it is locked away or put back into a bank.

   3. Security hygiene and high-value items

      If you have any high-value items, including documents, lock them away. Consider placing especially sensitive or valuable items in a bank vault. If you have digital versions of these items, make sure they are securely backed up.

   4. Laptop locks

      Laptops are attractive commodities for thieves. Opportunists who enter a building and discover laptops will be able to take their pick. Laptops also potentially contain sensitive data.
      Either hide your laptops in a lockable place or use a laptop lock. The latter is a little like a bike lock: a long metal cable that connects the device to an immovable object.

   5. Door locks!

      It might sound like an obvious statement, but make sure your office and other buildings are locked up. Smart locks are an option; these are IoT devices that allow you to control locks from a mobile device.
      Some of the smart lock products on the market have unique code entry systems. This provides a way to track anyone entering the building and could potentially be useful in an insider threat situation.

   6. Light your way

      Make sure that external lights are working; this can help deter intruders. Both external and internal lights can be internet-enabled. If you do use IoT lighting, you will be able to control it remotely from a device like a smartphone.
   7. Thank to /resources.infosecinstitute.com/