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Cybersecurity | Security

5 Tips to Physically Secure your Business

February 24th, 2023 | 3 min. read

5 Tips to Physically Secure your Business

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When it comes to cybersecurity, physically securing your space is just as important as securing your data and servers. If you don’t have strong physical security, you risk exposing sensitive data to hackers and social engineers. Not all cyber attacks happen remotely, which is why it’s imperative you have your offices and buildings properly secured.

Here are 5 tips for protecting your data and keeping your business physically secure.

1. Restrict physical access to areas with IT infrastructure3

You should have an updated list of authorized personnel who have access to areas like your server room, switch closet, door badge scanner software, etc. Make sure these areas are locked down and hard to access for anyone who isn’t authorized to be in there.

When it comes to keys and giving employees access to the building, keep in mind that physical keys can be copied. A keypad system or door badge scanner are better options to keep your building secure from outsiders.

 

2. Always lock your computer when you are away from it

You should always lock your computer when you step away from it, even if you are a remote worker! You can easily lock your computer by pressing and holding Windows key + L (Windows computers) or Control + Command + Q (Mac computers).

If you don’t lock your computer, you risk an unauthorized user gaining access to your computer and installing malicious code or stealing important files. The same goes for at home if you are a remote worker. It’s very easy for a child to check an email or play a game on you computer and accidentally install malware or some other virus.

3. Don’t use USB storage devices

1-1USB storage devices are an easy way to store or transfer data, but beware, cybercriminals also love them to attack your computer. A common attack that’s become popular is cybercriminals leaving USB devices for people to find and plug into their computers. Once plugged in, the USB drive can unleash malicious code or take the USB drive user to a phishing site that tricks the user into giving away their login credentials.

If you store any sensitive data on a USB drive, consider using an alternative method, like cloud storage on your secure server. USB drives can be easily misplaced or stolen, resulting in your data being exposed or losing hours of work.

4. Have a secure desktop

Your physical desk or office space should always be secured and tidy. Here are a couple things you can do to keep your desk space safe:2-2

  • Don’t write your logins and passwords on paper and leave them laying around. Password management tools like LastPass or Passwork are a great way to store your passwords
  • Lock your storage and file cabinets
  • Don’t leave your wallet, keys, purse, door badge, etc. sitting out
  • Shred any important paper files that are no longer needed. Don’t leave them sitting out on your desk or in your trash can
  • Don’t leave anything sitting in a printer tray. Anyone can come by and swipe your printed documents
5. Empower co-workers to challenge people they do not recognize

You should have some sort of check-in or badge system for all guests that enter the building. Having a secure entrance can prevent unauthorized persons from entering the building. However, if your employees ever notice someone walking through your building that they don’t recognize or isn’t wearing a badge, empower your employees to ask if they need any help or if they have an appointment.

 

Evaluate your security today

Need help securing your space? Contact Guide Star today! As leaders within the cybersecurity industry, Guide Star and its partners can help you evaluate your security program, build a roadmap for eliminating your risk, and ensure you have the resources you need to succeed.

Guide Star brings you the services you need to protect your company without breaking the bank.

(844) 403-8551

sales@guide-star.com