Protecting your small business from theft has become more complex than ever. In the past, simply locking doors was enough to deter intruders, but today businesses must deal with both 
physical and cyber threats. It’s crucial to understand how these risks are connected.
The Overlap Between Physical and Cyber Threats
Consider a scenario where a thief breaks into an employee’s car and steals a company laptop that contains your customer database. In this case, physical theft leads to a digital breach. The thief could:
- Be working for a competitor to gain an unfair advantage.
- Use the stolen customer data for identity theft.
- Sell the data to criminals on the dark web.
The Internet of Things (IoT) also presents risks. For instance, if your business uses smart devices like cameras and door locks connected to the internet, weak cybersecurity could allow a criminal to steal login credentials, disable your security system, and gain physical access to your office or facility.
Strengthening Your Defenses
To prevent physical security breaches from affecting your digital assets (and vice versa), consider the following steps:
- Identify Your Assets: Determine where your most critical digital assets are stored, who has access to them, and how they could be exploited if stolen.
- Employee Training: Educate employees on securing devices and data with strong passwords and safe practices. Encourage the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) on public Wi-Fi and advise against leaving company devices unattended or in vehicles.
- Install Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software: MDM tools can remotely lock or wipe data from a stolen device, preventing unauthorized access.
- Develop a Contingency Plan: Establish a response plan for security incidents, outlining who to contact and how to address the vulnerabilities that led to the breach.
- Review Your Insurance: Ensure your business insurance covers both physical and cybersecurity risks. Some insurers offer policies that combine these coverages.
- Engage Security Experts: Consider hiring a professional to evaluate the strength of both your physical and cybersecurity measures.
Simple Solutions to Big Problems
Many businesses overlook the importance of addressing both physical and digital security risks. Fortunately, there are simple and affordable solutions available to help you protect your company’s assets. Merging cyber and physical security efforts is key to protecting your business effectively. Contact us for assistance in securing your business against these evolving threats.
