When most business owners think about security they picture CCTV cameras, an alarm system, and a good, sturdy lock on the front door. While these measures are essential and form a secure system when in place, they’re only part of the bigger picture. Effective business security requires a proactive approach that considers both physical and digital risks, as well as the behaviours of the people who interact with your business every day. For some businesses this may be minimal whilst for others, this could be significantly more.
At Herts Security Systems, we see many companies invest in the basics but miss critical vulnerabilities. Here are some of the most common areas businesses tend to overlook and how you can address them before they become costly problems.
Insider Threats: The Risk Within
Many companies think of security risks as external - burglars, vandals, or hackers. But insider threats are just as significant. Employees, contractors, or even trusted suppliers can cause harm, sometimes deliberately and sometimes by accident.
Common insider risks include:
- Sharing access codes or keys
- Mishandling sensitive data or leaving confidential paperwork exposed
- Using company resources for personal gain
- Malicious activity from disgruntled employees
Solution: Create a company wide culture of security awareness. Provide training, set clear policies, and use monitoring tools that alert you to unusual access patterns.
Poorly Managed Access Control
One of the biggest mistakes businesses make is giving staff more access than they really need. This might seem harmless, but in practice it creates unnecessary risk. For example, not every employee should be able to enter storage areas, server rooms, or managers’ offices. When access is too open, it becomes much harder to monitor who was where and when, and it also increases the chance of mistakes or misuse. Lost stock, missing paperwork, or even accidental damage often go unnoticed because there’s no clear accountability. By limiting entry to only those who genuinely need it, you create a safer, more controlled environment and any issues can be quickly traced and resolved.
Solution: A modern access control system can assign permissions based on job role, log entries and exits, and revoke access instantly if someone leaves. This strengthens security and improves accountability.
Overlooked Entry Points
While most companies secure their main entrances, side doors, delivery bays, and fire exits are often ignored. Criminals are opportunists and they’ll always be on the look out for the easiest way in.
Solution: Carry out regular security audits and this could form part of a daily checklist. Ensure secondary entrances are alarmed, outside areas are well lit with security lighting, and that fire doors aren’t left propped open, for any reason! A reliable commercial security system ensures all access points are protected.
Cybersecurity and Physical Security Gaps
Security isn’t just about the building itself. With sensitive business information stored online, cybercrime is one of the biggest threats to modern companies, especially these days with so many recent cyber attacks.
Weaknesses often include:
- Unlocked offices giving intruders access to laptops or servers
- Poor password protection on CCTV systems, leaving feeds vulnerable to hacking
- Staff introducing malware by plugging in personal devices
Solution: Combine your cybersecurity and physical security strategy. Protect hardware with secure access, update software, and provide cybersecurity training to staff.
Neglected Equipment Maintenance
We often install CCTV systems in Hertfordshire businesses that previously relied on outdated or poorly maintained equipment. After all, a camera or alarm is only useful if it works. Dead batteries, faulty wiring, or outdated software can leave you unknowingly exposed.
Solution: Schedule regular maintenance. At Herts Security Systems, we provide ongoing support to ensure your CCTV, alarms, and access control systems are always performing at their best.
Visitor and Contractor Management
Delivery drivers, contractors, and visitors come and go daily, but without proper checks in place, they can create huge vulnerabilities in your business.
Solution: Introduce a visitor management process. Require sign-ins, issue passes, and ensure non-employees are supervised in restricted areas. This simple measure strengthens overall security.
Emergency Preparation
Even with the best commercial security systems in Hertfordshire, no setup will ever be completely foolproof. Burglaries, attempted break-ins, or emergencies like fire and flooding require a clear plan.
Solution: Train staff in emergency response, carry out practices, and make sure everyone knows what to do during a security incident. Quick action can protect both people and assets.
Why Overlooking Security is Costly
Ignoring any or all of these areas doesn’t just put your building at risk. The cost of a break-in or inside-theft often extends to downtime, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust and that isn’t even considering the mental effects of something like this happening. Investing in a complete business security solution ensures long-term, solid protection.
How Herts Security Systems Can Help
We specialise in assessing and installing tailored commercial security systems across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire & Buckinghamshire, including CCTV installation, access control, and intruder alarms. We have helped many local businesses stay secure and have helped them improve their security processes.
Don’t wait until an incident exposes the gaps in your security.
Take a proactive approach! Your staff, property, and reputation deserve nothing less.