I. Introduction
Nearly half (44%) of small businesses experienced some sort of security breaches in 2023. As an experienced small business owner, I know that physical security, cyber security and personnel security are genuine concerns but can be mitigated with the proper information. This three part article provides useful, actionable information with common-sense ideas, important strategies and overviews of you can use NOW.
I know when you’re juggling a million things to keep your business afloat, security can feel like just another item on your never-ending to-do list. But it’s worth paying attention to. Security for small businesses isn’t just about protecting your stuff – it’s about safeguarding your dreams, your employees’ livelihoods, and the trust your customers place in you.
In Part I (this article), I’ll dive into the world of small business physical security BASICS. I’ll share all the tricks I’ve learned the hard way, so you don’t have to! We’ll cover everything from assessing your risks to choosing the right security systems, and even some budget-friendly DIY solutions. In later articles I will do the same for Cyber Security (Part II) and Personnel Security (Part III).
Finally, as my blog grows I will link to more and more detailed articles on the individual components and concepts in each area.
II. Understanding Physical Security for Small Businesses
Let’s start with the basics. What is physical security anyway? Well, it’s not just about having a big, scary guard dog or a fence. Physical security is all about protecting your business’s tangible assets – your inventory, equipment and cash. But more importantly it’s about your employee safety and customer safety – from threats like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
Now, you might be thinking, “But I’m just a small fish in a big pond. Why would anyone target my business?” As you know, small businesses typically have fewer resources to address security threats.
And the physical threats you face are pretty diverse, too. You’ve got your classic break-ins and robberies, sure. But don’t forget about insider theft (yeah, sometimes it’s the people you trust), vandalism (apparently, some folks never outgrow their graffiti phase), and even natural disasters that can leave your business vulnerable.
The point is, physical security isn’t just some fancy term for big businesses. It’s something we all need to think about, whether we’re running a corner store or a tech startup. A little prevention now can save you a whole lot of headache (and money) down the line.
III. The First Step – Conducting a Security Risk Assessment
Don’t let the fancy term scare you off – it’s basically just a fancy way of saying “figure out where your weak spots are.” It’s a security audit of your operations.
To make it easier I’ve included Pelco’s SECURITY CHECKLIST to make it easier for you. Click here to get your copy.
Let’s walk through it. First, take a good, hard look at your business. And I mean really look. Pretend you’re a bad guy trying to break in. Where would you strike? Is it that back door with the wonky lock? The windows that don’t quite shut all the way? Or maybe it’s the fact that your safe is about as secure as a piggy bank?
I remember when I did my first risk assessment. I was feeling pretty smug about my security setup until I realized I’d been leaving the key to the stockroom under a “hidden” rock by the back door.
The Sections below give you guidance on the areas to focus on and examine. They are purposely broad because each business requires an individualized assessment of their situation.
Once you’ve identified your vulnerable areas, it’s time to prioritize. You can’t fix everything at once (unless you’ve got a magic wand or an unlimited budget). Start with the most glaring issues. Is your cash register visible from the street? That might be more urgent than upgrading the lock on the supply closet.
Here’s a pro tip: get your employees involved in this process. They might spot things you’ve overlooked. Plus, it’ll help them feel more invested in keeping the place secure. Just ask them for their input and write it down because there will probably be lots of areas to address.
Remember, a risk assessment isn’t a one-and-done deal. You should be reassessing regularly, especially if you make changes to your business or if the neighborhood changes.
IV. Essential Physical Security Measures
A. Secure Entry and Exit Points
Doors and Windows. These are your first line of defense against the baddies out there. Now, I’m not saying you need to turn your business into Fort Knox, but a little upgrade can go a long way.
Windows are often the weak point in many businesses. Consider adding window bars or security film but make sure any added barriers comply with local Fire Safety Codes.
Oh, and don’t forget about emergency exits! They need to be secure from the outside but easy to open from the inside. It’s a delicate balance between keeping the bad guys out and not trapping yourself in during an emergency. Trust me, you don’t want to be fumbling with a complicated lock when there’s a fire!
B. Surveillance Systems
Ah, surveillance cameras – the eyes that never blink! These can really enhance your security setup. But here’s the thing: it’s not just about slapping up a bunch of cameras and calling it a day. You gotta be strategic about it. And don’t go over board; you have to remember that cameras need servicing and maintenance and you have to pay to purchase them and install. Sometimes, people go to excess and install way too many cameras than they need.
First off, think about the types of cameras you need. Do you want high-definition ones that can capture every nose hair on a potential thief? Or are you cool with something more basic? I started with some super cheap cameras but trying to identify someone from a blurry blob is not fun. Learned that lesson real quick!
Placement is key. Cover your entry points, cash registers, parking lots and any areas with valuable inventory. But don’t forget about blind spots! I once thought I had every angle covered until I realized there was a huge blind spot right by the employee entrance. Guess where all the “mysterious” inventory shrinkage was happening? Yep, right in that blind spot.
Make sure you have a good system for storing and managing all that footage. Nothing’s worse than catching a thief on camera only to realize you accidentally recorded over the evidence with last week’s episode of your favorite show. Typically, a good rule-of-thumb is to have enough storage to review surveillance video from 30-days ago to present. A 30-day “look back” is a good compromise between cost and practicality.
C. Alarm Systems
A good alarm system is like a loyal guard dog, minus the shedding and the need for walks. But just like dogs, alarm systems come in all shapes and sizes. You’ve got your basic noise-makers, your silent alarms that alert the police, and even fancy ones that can detect motion or glass breaking.
When choosing an alarm system, think about your needs. Do you want something that’ll wake up the whole neighborhood if someone so much as looks at your store funny? Or are you more into the strong, silent type that quietly calls the cops? I went for the loud option at first, which was great until the system started going off every time a particularly large moth flew by the sensors. My neighbors were… not thrilled.
What are the other monitoring options? You can self-monitor (hello, 3 AM phone alerts!) or pay for remote professional monitoring. Remote monitoring is the recommended method since that is the only way to notify someone to respond. I tried the DIY route for a while, but there’s nothing quite like the heart attack you get when your phone starts blaring an alarm tone in the middle of the night. Now I pay someone else to deal with that stress!
D. Access Control Systems
Welcome to the future, folks! Electronic access control systems are like having a super-picky bouncer for your business. No more worrying about lost keys or ex-employees who “forgot” to return them. These systems use key cards, fobs, or even biometrics to control who can enter your premises and when. If you are in a dirty, dusty environment then biometrics can be problematic: think dirty fingers and dusty readers. Also, many states require additional data protections when anyone collects and maintains biometric data (fingerprints, eye retina, palm prints, facial recognition).
When I first installed my access control system, I felt like a secret agent. Swiping my card to enter my own business made me feel so fancy! But then I realized I had to remember to bring my card every single day. Let’s just say I spent more than a few mornings sheepishly waiting for an employee to let me into my own store.
One cool thing about these systems is that you can set different access levels for different employees. So your manager might have 24/7 access, while part-timers can only enter during their shifts. It’s like having a virtual bouncer who never sleeps and never gets confused about who’s allowed in.
Most systems even let you track who enters and exits and when. It’s great for security, but fair warning: it can also show you exactly how late you were to work that one Monday after a holiday weekend. It can also be used to track your employees’ movements.
V. Securing Your Business Perimeter
The outside of your business. You know, the part that potential troublemakers see first. Think of your perimeter as your business’s first impression – you want it to say “Don’t even think about it, buddy” rather than “Easy pickings here!”
First up, fencing. Now, I’m not saying you need to surround your place with a moat and drawbridge but a good fence can be a real deterrent. When I first put up a fence around my back lot, I felt like I was building my own little castle. Consider installing privacy slats – these are the metal strips woven in between the metal fencing. This blocks the bad guys’ easy view of what is on the other side – if they can’t see it, they can’t steal it.
Gates are important too. Make sure they’re sturdy and have good locking mechanisms. I once made the mistake of using a cheap padlock on my gate. It didn’t stand up to a determined thief with bolt cutters. Lesson learned: it pays to splurge on the good stuff. And remember – the vehicle and man gates can be controlled using the same electronic access control as the one on your building doors.
Parking lots. These can be a real weak spot if you’re not careful. Good lighting is key – those motion-activated flood lights can be a lifesaver. I installed some and suddenly my parking lot went from “creepy horror movie set” to “daytime TV show” with just a flip of a switch.
And here’s a pro tip: landscaping isn’t just about looking pretty. Strategic landscaping can actually boost your security. Low bushes near windows can make it harder for someone to hide, while thorny plants can discourage people from getting too close to sensitive areas. Just be careful not to create hiding spot – big bushes that look great but basically create a perfect spot for someone to lurk. This poses a risk to your employees who may come in early or stay late. Think about this from a common sense approach.
Remember, the goal is to make your business look like more trouble than it’s worth to potential troublemakers. Good perimeter security tells them to keep walking and find an easier target. Sorry, bad guys, not today!
VI. Interior Security Measures
A. Securing Valuable Assets
If it’s cash, inventory, computers, data servers or that fancy espresso machine you splurged on, you gotta keep it safe.
First things first: safes and vaults. These aren’t just for banks and secret agents anymore! Even if you’re not rolling in cash, a good safe can protect important documents, backup hard drives, or anything else you really don’t want walking out the door.
Secure storage areas are another biggie. This could be anything from a reinforced stockroom to a simple locked cabinet. But you must limit access to these areas which is easier with an Electronic Access Control System. Restrict who has access to these areas using the concept of “Need to Have.” The more people who have access , the less secure the asset.
B. Interior Security Lighting
Let there be light! And lots of it! Good lighting isn’t just about setting the mood or helping your employees avoid stubbing their toes. It’s a crucial part of your security setup.
Inside your business, make sure all areas are well-lit, especially after hours. Those dark corners and shadowy alcoves? They’re like catnip for troublemakers. I once left a back room poorly lit and came in one morning to find it had become an impromptu raccoon disco.
Motion-activated lights are your friends, especially in areas that aren’t constantly occupied. They save energy and give any would-be intruders a nice little surprise. Plus, they’re great for scaring the bejeezus out of yourself when you forget they’re there and walk into a room at 2 AM.
Don’t forget about emergency lighting! This isn’t just about security – it’s about employee safety too. You need lights that’ll kick in if the power goes out, guiding you and your employees to safety. I once skimped on emergency lighting and regretted it big time during a blackout. Trying to navigate a dark store with only my phone’s flashlight was not fun and quite dangerous.
VII. Employee Training and Procedures
Your secret weapon in the fight against security threats: your team! You can have all the fancy gadgets in the world, but if your employees aren’t on board, you might as well leave the doors wide open.
First up: developing a security policy and creating proper security documentation
. I know, it sounds about as exciting as watching paint dry. But trust me, it’s crucial. Your policy should cover everything from how to lock up at night to what to do if they spot suspicious activity. When I first wrote my security policy, it was basically “lock the door and don’t let bad guys in.” A little too basic but the training does not have to complicated – just get the word out on what you want done. And when it’s written then training new employees and re-training existing employees is more streamlined.
But don’t just hand your employees a manual and expect them to become security experts overnight. Walk them through procedures, do role-playing exercises, what-if scenarios make it interactive!
Creating an incident response plan and preparedness plan is super important too. It’s like a fire drill, but for security breaches. Everyone should know exactly what to do if something goes down. Who calls the police? Who secures the premises? Don’t be a hero – do as you are trained and let the emergency responders do the rest?
Remember, your employees are your eyes and ears on the ground. Encourage them to speak up if they notice anything fishy. I once had an employee who was too shy to mention that she kept seeing the same “customer” hanging around without buying anything. Turns out, he was casing the joint. A little encouragement to speak up could’ve saved us a lot of headache!
VIII. Budget-Friendly Security Solutions
Some of you are thinking: “This all sounds great, but I can’t afford to turn my business into Fort Knox!” Don’t worry, I’ve been there. When I first started out, my security budget was about as robust as a wet paper bag. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to break the bank to beef up your security.
Let’s talk DIY security measures. But there are plenty of simple, affordable things you can do. For example, reinforcing door frames, adding secondary locks to windows, or even just rearranging your layout to improve visibility can make a big difference.
When it comes to investing in security, it’s all about prioritizing. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start with the most critical areas and work your way down the list. Maybe you invest in a good security camera for the main entrance this month, and next month you upgrade your locks. And so on – steady, persistent and consistent.
And here’s a pro tip: look for multi-purpose solutions. For example, good lighting isn’t just a security measure – it also makes your store more appealing to customers. Electronic access control secures your doors and helps track your people.
Remember, the goal is to make your business a less attractive target, not to create an impenetrable fortress. Even small improvements can make a big difference. So don’t get discouraged if you can’t afford all the bells and whistles right away. Start small, be consistent, and keep improving over time. Your future self (and your business) will thank you!
IX. Working with Security Professionals
Sometimes, you need to call in the big guns. As much as we’d all like to be security experts, there comes a point when it’s best to leave it to the professionals. But when is that point? And how do you choose the right help? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
First off, when should you consider hiring security consultants? Well, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this security stuff, that’s a good sign. Or maybe you’ve had a security incident and you want to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Or perhaps you’re expanding your business and need to upgrade your security. These are all great reasons to bring in an expert.
I remember when I first decided to hire a security consultant. I was so proud of my DIY security system (which, let’s be honest, was basically just a bunch of webcams and some strategically placed rubber doorstops). The consultant took one look and tried really hard not to laugh. Turns out, my “foolproof” system had more holes than a block of Swiss cheese.
When it comes to choosing the right security company, do your homework! Check their credentials, read reviews, and ask for references. And for the love of all that is holy, don’t just go with the cheapest option. My experience consistently shows that “you get what you pay for.”
Let’s continue our talk about cost. Professional security services aren’t cheap, I’ll give you that. But think of it as an investment in your business’s future. It’s like insurance – you hope you never need it, but you’ll be darn glad you have it if something goes wrong.
That being said, be clear about your budget upfront. A good security company will work with you to prioritize your needs and find solutions that fit your budget. And don’t be afraid to start small – you can always scale up as your business grows.
Remember, working with security professionals isn’t about admitting defeat or that you can’t handle things on your own. It’s about being smart and proactive. After all, you wouldn’t try to rewire your entire store by yourself (unless you’re an electrician, in which case, go for it!). Sometimes, calling in an expert is the wisest move you can make.
X. Conclusion
Whew! We’ve covered a lot of ground, haven’t we? From risk assessments to security systems to employee training and more – it’s enough to make your head spin! But here’s the thing: physical security for your small business doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It’s all about taking it one step at a time.
Remember when we started this journey? I bet some of you were thinking, “Do I really need all this security stuff?”. Maybe – but you are the one who has to make that decision.
Now, I’m not saying you need to implement everything we’ve discussed overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a solid security system. Start with the basics – maybe a good lock system and some security cameras. Then, gradually build up from there. Remember, any improvement, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.
And here’s a final piece of advice: don’t set it and forget it! Security isn’t a one-and-done deal. It’s an ongoing process. Keep assessing, keep improving, and stay vigilant. The bad guys are always coming up with new tricks, so we’ve got to stay one step ahead!
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start securing your business! And hey, if you’ve got any great security stories or tips of your own, why not share them in the comments? After all, we small business owners have got to stick together. Who knows, your experience might just save someone else from making the same mistakes I did.
Be sure to check out my other articles in this 3-part series: Part II – Cyber Security Basics and Part III – Employee Security.