Business Security Solutions for the Small Business

September 22, 2020

Business security for small businesses can involve fire alarm systems, security systems, restricted-card access, guard services, video surveillance, and other measures. Increasingly, however, private business and personal data have become a part of business security.

About 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at small businesses, only 14% of which are prepared for such incursions. The average cost of a cyberattack is said to be about $200,000. This hefty price tag puts around 60% of its victims out of business within six months of being attacked.

Private information in paper form can also fall into the wrong hands, leading to costly security breaches. So, small businesses are finding security solutions -- and not just in the digital realm.

10 FCC Cybersecurity Tips for Small Businesses

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) points out: "Theft of digital information has become the most commonly reported fraud, surpassing physical theft." It offers its 10 cybersecurity tips for small business:

1. Train employees in security principles

2. Protect computers, networks, and data from cyberattacks

3. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection

4. Create a mobile device action plan

5. Backup copies of important business data and information

6. Control physical access to your computers and create user accounts for each employee

7. Secure your Wi-Fi networks

8. Employ best practices on payment cards

9. Limit employee access to data and information

10. Passwords and authentication


Security Solutions Provided by Paper-Shredding Services

Data breaches are not only the domain of online storage but can affect paper copies of confidential information that might be thrown out or fall into the wrong hands. In fact, some organizations may be at greater security risk from hard copies than digital data.

For example, a 2018 study published in the American Journal of Managed Care points out that paper- and film-based records at hospitals were more common types of data breaches than electronic records due to theft, improper disposal and unauthorized access, leaving confidential patient information at risk.

So, it can be a mistake to leave confidential paper documents in unsecured areas or not have proper disposal procedures in place. For this reason, many businesses turn to professional paper-shredding services to have private documents destroyed.

A good service might offer regularly scheduled pickup services of paper requiring shredding or a a drop-off option for businesses with lighter security needs. Documents can be shredded and recycled, with sensitive information protected by a tightly controlled chain of custody. Also, look for a document shredding service with a storage option to keep your important documents securely off-site, freeing up space in your office.




The Business Security Role That Document Scanners Play

Often going hand in hand with a small business's decision to divest itself of paper is a need to turn hard-copy information into digital files that can be encrypted and stored on a remote server or secure local network. Documents can quickly be digitized with document scanners, including Epson scanners, HP scanners, and Brother scanners.

Other benefits of document scanners include:

  • Create easily searchable files: Most scanners can turn hard copies into image file formats like TIFF and JPEG formats, or a portable document format (PDF). Many also offer optical character recognition (OCR) which turns graphic images of text into live text easily searched with computers.
  • Speed up communication: If you need to share a document, scanning a document and emailing it as an attachment can be faster than using traditional mail or fax.
  • More efficient filing: A business that regularly produces a lot of paperwork can reduce the footprint of paper storage and provide more space to employees, office computers and servers.
  • Capture business data: Specialized scanners automatically load data from business cards and other forms into your computer's contact list, saving you the trouble of typing the information. These scanners often come in a compact format which can be taken to meetings or other business events where you might network.

Tech Support

One way to provide security for digital data, and optimize the performance of your computer and connected devices, is to sign up for 24/7 remote tech support services. With an Office Depot OfficeMax Remote Tech Services & Support Subscription, A+ technicians certified by CompTIA, one of the world's leading technology associations, are available 24/7 by phone or chat to help you with all your personal Windows devices.

Experienced technicians are available to help with Windows operating systems, software installations, troubleshooting of technical issues for computers and other devices, unlimited tune-ups, and tech coaching.

The service can diagnose and offer virus removal, as well as spyware and malware removal on your current system. It can also set up the latest version of antivirus software. If your computer suffers a data loss, the tech service can have the tools to recover it, free of cost. They'll set Windows Update to download the latest version of the operating system and its most recent security patches.

By putting the security solutions in place, you can focus on what really matters: running your business successfully.

 


About the Author 

Peter Giffen is a writer, editor, and creative project manager with more than 40 years of experience working for national publishers, major corporations, innovative start-ups, creative agencies, content companies, and SEO houses in Canada and the United States. He currently writes about technology, business, health and wellness, travel, project management, and more.

All content provided herein is for educational purposes only. It is provided "as is" and neither the author nor Office Depot, Inc. warrant the accuracy of the information provided, nor do they assume any responsibility for errors, omissions or contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.