Ways to make your office more secure this winter

The tips are:

Make well-lit, access-controlled parking available, and suggest a "buddy" system within the parking area;

If possible, make security escorts available to and from employee parking;

Register all guests and accompany them during their visits;

Never leave your reception area unattended;

Do not allow entry doors to be propped open if no one is present or nearby;

Don't allow unknown service personnel free access to your office space;

Report broken doors, windows, and locks to building security personnel;

Monitor and report suspicious activity in or near your facility;

Consider an integrated, monitored security and fire system as well as a remote/IP video system, which allows easy access to facility cameras via the Internet;

Install an electronic access system, and closely inventory all photo badges, ID cards, etc.;

If you already have a security system, request regular system inspections and evaluations;

Do not open suspicious packages: Report them to local authorities;

Employ updated computer security software for your entire network;

Back up and store sensitive and critical information and databases;

Shred or destroy old documents containing sensitive business information;

Keep an inventory of your most critical equipment, hardware, and software;

Develop fire and emergency plans and regularly practice drills;

Keep facilities well-lit, inside and out, even during non-business hours;

Form a safety team to help keep safety and security issues a focus; and

Encourage employees to secure valuables, including documents that might contain personal information, in their work areas at all times and especially during company gatherings or breaks.