Cheaper business security for smaller businesses
In an increasingly unsettled world, the security of small businesses has never been more important. With more demands on ever-decreasing budgets, the hunt is on for a cheap business security system and low-cost security services that do not compromise on coverage. So how can you boost security with a cheap business security system? Read on to find everything you need to know.
Regardless of size or resources, no business is immune to crime. Human instinct naturally veers to “it can’t happen to me,” but when it comes to business, particularly small to medium enterprises, this is a risky attitude, as many have found out too late and at considerable cost
This raises an important question: How can small businesses, who, after all, collectively power the economy, individually secure big business levels of protection without the big business budget? Fortunately, with advances in technology and an increasingly competitive environment, cheap security systems for businesses are increasingly accessible
This blog post aims to provide some answers by offering cost-effective and innovative ways small businesses can boost their security, safeguard their employees, and protect their business assets without breaking the bank. So, let’s get started and explore how to achieve ‘Big Business Security on a Small Business Budget. We will be covering:
- The main aims of business security
- The importance of small business security
- Obstacles to overcome
- Investing in the right low-cost security technology
- Leveraging the smartphone as a powerful security-boosting resource
- Using managed security to reduce cost
- Inexpensive physical security upgrades
The three main aims of business security
- To deter criminals from attempting to breach your security in the first place
The first aim of business security is to create an environment that discourages potential criminals from even attempting to breach your security. This can be achieved by using signage to indicate the presence of security measures, installing prominent and visible security cameras, and maintaining well-lit and clean business premises.
- To make life difficult for them should they attempt it
The second aim of business security is to create obstacles for criminals should they attempt to breach your security. The use of physical barriers, such as fences, gates, and locks, as well as electronic security systems, such as motion detectors, CCTV, and alarms, are all measures that are becoming less expensive and therefore more accessible. Implementing a security protocol that requires multiple forms of identification or verification can also help to slow down and frustrate criminals, increasing the likelihood that they will be caught.
Other measures to frustrate criminals include training employees on security best practices and procedures so that everyone is aware of their role in security and implementing access control measures, such as keycards or biometric identification.
- To detect and respond to attempts to enter your premises before they escalate into an incident
The third aim of business security is to quickly and effectively detect and respond to any attempts to breach your security. This can be achieved through the use of surveillance cameras, motion detectors, and other electronic security systems that can provide real-time alerts when suspicious activity is detected. Alerts can be
Why cheap small business security is important
Before we jump into some solutions, it might be useful to take a look at the problems.
Some Key Facts
The United Kingdom
The Federation of Small Business “Cracking the Case” report describes a surge in both online and physical crimes. 81% of small businesses in the UK were affected to some extent between January 2021 and January 2023, compared to 49% in the preceding period from 2017 to 2019.
The report also highlighted the fact that police forces failed to attend to 59% of crimes reported by small businesses. In some cases, businesses felt that small business crime and its financial impact were being seen as an “acceptable loss.”
Europe
Cybersecurity is an increasing problem for small businesses in Europe to address.
The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) publishes an annual report called ” The Threat Landscape” that includes data on the impact of cybercrime on businesses in the EU. According to the 2020 report, 20% of SMEs affected by a cybersecurity incident in the previous 12 months reported that they had to shut down business activities as a result.
Hurdles that need to be overcome
These are some of the main hurdles that originate within a business that need to be overcome for successful security:
| The Illusion of Invincibility: | When the perception is that it is not at risk of being targeted by criminals, a smaller business may be less likely to invest in security. This can leave it vulnerable if the necessary resources to deter, detect, and respond to security incidents have not been allocated |
| Resources: | Small businesses often lack the resources, time, and expertise to develop and implement a comprehensive security plan. |
| Responsibilities: | Small business owners typically have many other responsibilities and may not fully understand the risks and consequences of inadequate security |
| Priorities: | When working with a limited budget, business security is often overlooked, with funds being directed to what are perceived as more important priorities. |
| Resistance to Change: | Stagnation when it comes to implementing security measures can be due to limited resources and budget constraints, but single-minded resistance to change by small business owners can also be a factor. |
Cost-Effective Security on a Small Business Budget
So let’s now take a look at some key strategies that smaller businesses can use to boost security without busting the budget.
Using Security Contractors
There is a misconception that you need a large security budget before considering contracting aspects of security. But let’s dissect that for a moment and identify some cheap security services that a contractor might be able to offer at less cost than if you were to implement them.
Using a security contractor helps you to avoid all sorts of costs.
- Staff training
- Staff recruitment
- Rostering, scheduling and supervision
- On-call payments to your own team for out-of-hours duties
Good security contractors will always attempt to provide the best service possible within your budget restraints.
- Auditing your security arrangements
- Advising on and installing the right technology at the best prices available
- Providing cost-cutting services like off-site central monitoring of CCTV and mobile patrol visits
- Using emergency response to respond rapidly to alarm triggers and suspicious activity
- Providing secure keyholding services along with out-of-hours rapid emergency response
Investing in the right technology for small business security needs
Innovations in security technology have succeeded in bringing costs down to an acceptable level, making them affordable for smaller businesses on a limited budget. For many smaller businesses, investigating and investing in the latest technology is the way forward when it comes to finding a cheap business security system.
Utilising solar-powered security technology
A self-powered solar security light with a motion sensor is an excellent deterrent that not only offers cable-free installation but also eliminates ongoing running costs.
There is a misconception that these security devices need sunny weather to recharge, but with developments in photovoltaic and energy-efficient LED technology, this is no longer true.
With carefully considered placement of the solar panel and correct adjustment of the night sensor and motion detection functions, these will work for years to come with minimal intervention
Cheap, easy-to-install security cameras
Not too long ago, CCTV systems were expensive, and installation costs would make up a significant part of that expense.
Mass production and competition in the market have helped bring purchase prices down, while technical innovations like the solar-powered wireless security camera have eliminated the need for running power or network cables around your premises.
The latest generation of CCTV cameras can utilise solar charging, connect wirelessly to your network or use onboard mobile connectivity to provide a constant feed to a monitoring station and send alerts to an app installed on a smartphone. Many have built-in speaker systems that can deliver an audible warning to anyone loitering near business premises
The smartphone: pocket-sized security
Despite its common use and powerful capabilities, the smartphone, a device with substantial potential to enhance security, often remains underutilised by owners of small businesses. Here are a few ways that it can be used:
- Monitoring security camera feeds.
- Delivering audible warnings via a CCTV speaker system
- Accessing camera footage stored on the cloud
- Communicating security policies and procedures to a team
- Access control along with smart locking devices
- ID verification
- Receiving alerts from security devices and security contractors
- Remote tracking and monitoring of transport vehicles
- Monitoring staff safety and welfare
- Instant translation of verbal and written material
Smart door locks
Installing a smart lock system can significantly enhance your business’s safety measures by replacing conventional keys with a more secure and convenient keyless entry system.
This addresses several security vulnerabilities by eliminating the problems associated with managing distributed keys, replacing locks when keys are lost, and allowing for managed access control and remote monitoring of door unlocking.
There are many choices available when it comes to controlling and monitoring smart locks
- Keypad using a digital access code
- Bluetooth proximity (smartphone)
- RFID (keycard)
- Biometrics (fingerprint)
- Wifi (Remote unlocking)
Below is a table showing some ballpark smart lock pricing information courtesy of a popular UK trade-checking website
Inexpensive physical security upgrades
Perimeter Security
The perimeter of your premises is the first line of defence against criminals, and if you have perimeter fencing, there are a few inexpensive upgrades you can introduce to boost security.
- One option is to use a material that is difficult to cut, such as iron or steel. These materials are strong and durable, and they can be difficult to cut through without special tools.
- Another option is to use a material that is difficult to climb, such as a smooth surface or a pointed top. A smooth surface can make it difficult for intruders to gain a foothold, while a pointed top can make it more difficult and dangerous for them to climb over the fence.
- Adding barbed wire or razor wire to the top of the fence can also make it more difficult for intruders to climb over. These materials can cause injury, making it less likely that intruders will attempt to climb the fence. There are some regulations about the minimum height at which they can be added, so you should consult your local authority.
- Adding anti-climb paint to the fence can also make it more difficult for intruders to climb. This paint is slippery, making it difficult for intruders to get a grip on the fence.
- Adding sensors to the fence can also help improve its security. These sensors can detect when someone is trying to cut or climb the fence, and they can alert you or your security system.
Signage
Security warning signs can be a simple and inexpensive way to deter intruders. They can be placed in prominent, visible locations like doors, windows, or perimeter fencing. Some common security warning signs include “No Trespassing” signs, “Guard Dogs on Patrol” signs, and “CCTV Security System” signs. These signs can help protect your business by ensuring potential intruders move on to seek out an easier target.
Security Shutters
Security shutters for windows and doors can provide extra protection for your business by making it more difficult for intruders to break in. Security grills can be permanent or removable and are available in various materials, including iron, aluminium, and steel. The cost of security grills will depend on the size and material of the grills you choose. Once installed, they not only add an extra layer of security but also provide a high-visibility deterrent to anyone with criminal intent.
Key Points From this Blog Post
In this blog post, we have discussed several affordable ways that business owners can improve the security of their businesses. You should now understand the importance of conducting a security assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities and have read about several affordable security solutions, including the use of security contractors, installing security technology and access control systems, and boosting physical security measures.
Choosing the right cheap security solutions can boost your security to big business levels with minimal cost or disruption to your business. Don’t wait until it’s too late to implement affordable security solutions that can help protect your business from theft, vandalism, and other security threats right now!
Contact the experts at Titan Security Europe today to learn more about how we can help you secure your business. Our team can conduct a free security assessment and provide you with customised strategies to meet the unique needs of your business. Don’t let a small budget make your business an easy target for criminals; take action to secure it today!
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