Business Security

While generating profit is the main goal of your business, the security and protection of your business, customers as well as your employees should also be a main concern.

In starting a business you should guard and protect you business against theft, fraud, scams, computer hacks as well as accidents and fire to avoid or at least minimize further profit loss. All businesses are at risk to fraud, burglary, internal theft, and counterfeit money. As such, you should apply different safety measures to lessen, if not avoid the risk.

Transact with known and trusted suppliers
Find out who is the owner of the supplier you are dealing with. Remember to check out their background or whether they are a registered company. Use this tactic especially in dealing with new suppliers and customers.

Make sure that your cheques and credit cards are not misused or stolen
Put your credit cards and cheque books in a secure place and in various locations. Do not write your address and phone number on the back of cheques and most importantly, do not leave blank spaces on the cheque during transactions. As an added safety measure, you should always observe your client or customers when signing cheques during transaction - asses whether there is inconsistent handwriting or changes in their signature. You may also contact the bank to make sure that the client has an existing account. If your client or customer will use their credit card, check the quality of the card's hologram as well as its expiry date and if the signature on the receipt matches the signature on the card. Also, avoid returning the card to the purchaser until you confirmed that the signature is authentic and the sale is already processed.

Avoid scams
Deal only with companies or people that are trusted and known. Investigate the background of new customers to confirm their identity. Read contracts carefully especially if a special responsibility or a considerable amount of money is involved.

Protect your business against internal theft
Select your employees carefully by checking their criminal records and references. Put alarms and keep your safe and important documents in a secure place.

Be wary of electronic fraud and avoid computer damage
Install and update your virus protection software and firewalls regularly. Remember to change your passwords once in a while and make sure that you only transact with websites that have a secure processing system.

Secure your business against burglary and counterfeit notes.
Train your employees so they can detect fake money. Plus, keep an inventory or record of your expensive belongings and them in a locked safe. Always bank regularly and just leave minimal cash on the premises. Put alarms and other security devices on the windows and doors.

Make sure that you have fire extinguishers and first aid kit in case of an emergency or fire. List down important telephone numbers so can call them in case of a crisis.