Published on: 16 May 2018
Last Updated on: 04 September 2024
As any retail business owner can tell you, it can be a tough industry to work in, especially when the issue of retail theft comes to light. Some small business owners lose a substantial amount of money each year through shoplifting, employee theft, and even through simple administrative errors that go unnoticed. If you want to ensure that your business is a success from the start, take these steps to reduce the chances of any form of theft occurring on your premises.
Set up a state of the art surveillance system:
One ancient camera in the corner may not do much to deter experienced shoplifters. If you want to make it clear to any would-be thieves that you’re serious about catching them in the act, you need the functioning, high-quality CCTV cameras that can keep an eye on every area of your retail store. They should offer crystal clear visuals so you have a sharp image of everything that goes on in your store from every angle, as well as round-the-clock monitoring to ensure that any after-hours theft is caught as easily as it would be in broad daylight.
Educate your employees:
Employees that understand how you monitor theft will be less likely to commit the crime themselves. A surprisingly large percentage of in-store losses occur through in-house employee theft, so it’s crucial that you ensure that your employees understand that if they attempt to steal from your business, they will be caught and the authorities swiftly notified. In many cases, simply calling regular staff meetings in which the management makes it clear how seriously they’re taking the issue will be enough of a deterrent. You can also attempt to pre-emptively avoid the problem altogether by hiring employees with clear criminal records and positive references from past employers.
Use tags and signs as deterrents:
Many shoplifters act on impulse rather than coming in with a premeditated plan to make off with your products without paying. This means that intimidating deterrents like signs and tags can play a significant role in reducing losses within your business. The signs you display should accurately describe the prosecution process a shoplifter would undergo if caught stealing in your store. These should be placed in prominent areas of your store so everyone can see them as they pass through.
Security tags vary in price depending on their sophistication, so you should choose the tags you use depending on the value of your products and the vulnerability of your business to crime. You can target particular products for tagging by evaluating which items are most frequently shoplifted or offer the highest resale value if you don’t want to tag the entire store.
Get security professionals on board:
Uniformed security guards are utilized around the world both as a deterrent to shoplifters and as a way to catch and detain those caught in the act. If your store is struggling with frequent and substantial losses due to either shoplifting or employee theft, then getting a professional security company involved could make a major difference. Choose a company with a strong track record and plenty of experience, with guards that have passed stringent background checks, and consider mixing in plainclothes security officers who may able to spot a shoplifter in a more subtle way.
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If you’re considering investing in Microsoft 365 or need a little more convincing, read through the list of benefits below.
Here, we cover details of Microsoft Office 365 security and compliance, enterprise-level mobility, and powerful solutions that help to optimize productivity – wherever your team is working. To get a clear picture of the benefits of Microsoft 365, we’ve sought the help of IT experts in the know.
Microsoft Office 365 Security Features:
When your employees work remotely, they carry a lot of sensitive data on their laptops and mobile devices. For business owners or managers, you want to rest assured that this data is securely stored while still being easily accessible to your workforce.
The key security features included with Microsoft 365 are:
Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection
Azure Information Protection P1
Intune
Data Loss Protection
These features protect against external threats such as hackers, phishing emails, and malware and prevent sensitive customer information – email addresses or credit card details – from leaving the organization.
By purchasing all these features in a single package, you will also save a significant sum of money on your monthly subscription.
1. Layered Security Approach:
Microsoft 365 provides three levels of security:
Threat protection. You will be protected from common external threats, such as spam, phishing emails, and malware, while also receiving cutting-edge defense from more sophisticated threats, such as zero-day ransomware.
Data leak protection. As previously stated, 365 prevents sensitive data from leaving your system, providing peace of mind to any employer with a remote workforce.
Control data access. You can customize your level of security regarding sensitive data by applying restrictions such as ‘do not copy’ or ‘do not forward to certain information. You can also remotely wipe data from lost or stolen devices.
2. Seamless Integration & Collaboration
The best feature of Microsoft 365 is always its capability to help users collaborate. It breaks down the silos that different tools work in. Thanks to OneDrive integrating different apps and software under Microsoft 365, users can work together, document process in real-time, and do more.
It allows users to communicate effectively through video, chat, and share files on a single platform. Thanks to this seamless integration, it’s easier for someone to streamline workflow and improve their productivity.
Also, OneDrive and Sharepoint of Microsoft 365 make it easier for users to access data and work information from any device.
The features of Teams make it easier for inter-team collaboration and communication. The efficient features of Outlook Mail, PowerPoint, and Excel Sheets are doubtlessly important in the professional environment.
Also, the Microsoft 365 environment makes it easier for users to remember different apps under the Microsoft 365 umbrella. Every single app has a unique and memorable logo. Also, all the apps are easy to use.
3. Advanced Threat Protection:
If you suffer a malware attack, it could spell the beginning of the end for your business by resulting in lost work hours, loss of income, and an undermining of public trust.
With Microsoft 365, links are checked in real-time to warn you if it will take you to a malicious website. Email attachments are scanned for malware, and your devices are monitored for any suspicious strings of communication that might indicate the beginning of a ransomware attack.
Also, users can secure the flow of emails and mailbox audit logging using Microsoft Defender for Office 365.
All of this means that the future of your business won’t rely on your employees’ ability to spot a suspicious email or attachment before they can click on it. Office 365 has a threat and attack monitoring and prevention response.
4. Data Loss Prevention:
Keeping all the sensitive information, your business holds secure is a difficult task and a constant battle that never goes away.
With 365, you can apply data loss prevention policies to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, encrypt devices to protect data if that device is stolen or lost, and manage all your company devices remotely; handy for when an employee leaves, and you need to wipe all company data from their phone and laptop.
5. Control Data Access:
Identity and access management through the MFA and PIM gives Microsoft 365 users peace of mind. Its security features for control and access are unparalleled.
It doesn’t assign the global admin role to everyone. Instead, Contosco creates three different Global Admin accounts using strong passwords. Microsoft Entra Authentication and PIM ( Privileged Identity Protection) are responsible for protecting the accounts.
The Azure Information Protection Feature allows you to manage and control how data is accessed and shared across your business.
You can require your employees and customers to sign in to sensitive information with a fingerprint or PIN and classify that information as ‘sensitive’ to restrict how it is shared both inside and outside the business.
6. Powerful Tools For Enhanced Productivity
The apps and additional tools in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem are efficient and productive. Most apps come with amazing productivity features. Microsoft’s suite of apps includes the best word processors like Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other tools with AI features.
The AI-powered Designer under Powerpoint provides you with different design features. You can use Excel Insights to find out patterns in your data. The grammar assists in the writing tool and also helps to write effectively inside words.
Also, the co-authoring features of Microsoft Word allow multiple users to use the same document at the same time. This enables a new gateway for seamless collaboration.
Windows 10:
By upgrading to Microsoft 365, you get the added bonus of standardizing your employee workstations on Windows 10.
Windows 10 is the most secure Windows platform ever, coming with its own range of security innovations that significantly reduce your business’s risk profile, as well as adding cloud-based management to ensure that all your devices are properly configured.
Microsoft and its suite of apps are a vast world, opening a huge world of opportunity for the professional environment. Users find more hidden tricks and techniques as they delve deep into the world of Microsoft 365.
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Data breaches have become an increasingly prevalent issue for businesses across the globe, with the potential to compromise sensitive information and inflict significant reputational and financial damage. Organizations must adopt robust measures to safeguard their data assets in the face of evolving cyber threats. This article delves into proactive strategies that businesses can employ to fortify their defenses against data breaches, emphasizing the integration of cutting-edge solutions and adherence to best practices in cybersecurity.
Understanding The Threat Landscape
Before diving into prevention strategies, businesses must grasp the breadth and complexity of the threat landscape. Cyber threats can emanate from various sources, including malicious hackers, insider threats, and accidental disclosures. The methods used by attackers are equally diverse, ranging from sophisticated phishing schemes and malware attacks to exploiting software vulnerabilities and conducting brute force attacks.
Leveraging Data Protection As A Service (Dpaas)
One of the cornerstone approaches for enhancing data security involves leveraging Data Protection as a Service (DPaaS). DPaaS offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the critical needs of data backup, recovery, and security. By adopting DPaaS, businesses can benefit from scalable, cloud-based solutions that provide robust encryption, threat detection capabilities, and continuous monitoring of data assets. This service simplifies the complexity of data protection efforts and ensures compliance with regulatory standards and best practices in data security.
Establishing A Culture Of Security Awareness
A proactive data breach prevention strategy is complete with fostering a culture of security awareness among employees. Human errors remain a significant vulnerability that can lead to data breaches. Therefore, conducting regular training sessions on cybersecurity best practices, phishing awareness, and secure handling of sensitive information is imperative. Encouraging employees to adopt strong password practices, recognize suspicious emails, and report potential security incidents can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches.
Implementing Strong Access Control Measures
Effective access control is a critical component of data breach prevention. Businesses should adopt the principle of least privilege, ensuring that employees have access only to the information and resources necessary for their job functions. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds a layer of security, requiring users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to systems or data. Such measures drastically reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access, even if login credentials are compromised.
Regular Updating And Patching Systems
Cyber attackers often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software and systems to gain unauthorized access to data. To combat this, businesses must implement a rigorous schedule for regularly updating and patching their IT infrastructure. This includes operating systems, applications, and network devices. Organizations can close security gaps and protect against known exploits by ensuring that all components are up to date.
Employing Advanced Threat Detection And Response
Advancements in technology have enabled the development of sophisticated tools for threat detection and response. Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, these tools can analyze patterns, detect anomalies, and identify potential threats in real time. Automated response mechanisms can be activated in a suspected breach to contain and mitigate the impact, minimizing damage and facilitating a swift recovery.
Conducting Regular Security Audits And Assessments
Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments are vital for identifying weaknesses in an organization’s cybersecurity posture. These evaluations should encompass all aspects of the IT ecosystem, including network infrastructure, applications, and end-point devices. By conducting these assessments, businesses can gain insights into vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures to strengthen their defenses.
Developing A Comprehensive Incident Response Plan
Despite the best efforts to prevent data breaches, the possibility of an incident cannot be eliminated. Therefore, having a comprehensive incident response plan is critical. This plan should outline the steps to be taken in the event of a breach, including the immediate containment of the breach, assessment of the impact, notification of affected parties, and measures to prevent future incidents. Regular drills and simulations ensure the response team is well-prepared to act swiftly and effectively in a real-world scenario.
Utilizing Secure Cloud Storage Solutions
The swiftness towards cloud computing has offered businesses flexibility and scalability in managing their data. However, it also introduces new security considerations. Secure cloud storage solutions, equipped with end-to-end encryption, regular security audits, and compliance certifications, provide a robust framework for protecting data stored in the cloud. Businesses should carefully select cloud service providers that adhere to stringent security standards and offer transparency in their security practices.
Engaging In Threat Intelligence Sharing
Threat intelligence sharing involves exchanging information about emerging threats, vulnerabilities, and attack strategies with other organizations and security entities. This collaborative approach enhances the collective ability to anticipate, identify, and respond to cyber threats more effectively. By participating in industry-specific threat intelligence sharing platforms or joining cybersecurity consortia, businesses can gain insights into the latest threat landscape, adapt their defense mechanisms accordingly, and contribute to a broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
Investing In Cybersecurity Training And Education
Continuous education and training programs for IT staff and employees are vital in keeping pace with the latest cybersecurity trends, threats, and prevention techniques. Specialized training for cybersecurity teams ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement advanced security measures and respond to incidents effectively. For the wider workforce, regular awareness sessions can help in recognizing and mitigating the risks associated with social engineering attacks, phishing, and other common cyber threats.
Adopting Zero Trust Security Architecture
The Zero Trust model operates on the principle that no entity, whether inside or outside the network, should be automatically trusted. This security approach requires verification for every access request, irrespective of its origin. Implementing Zero Trust involves segmenting networks, enforcing strict access controls, and continuously monitoring and validating user and device activity. This model significantly reduces the attack surface and limits the potential impact of a breach.
Enhancing Data Privacy Measures
Beyond protecting data from unauthorized access, it's essential to focus on privacy aspects. This includes implementing data minimization practices, where only the necessary amount of personal data is collected and stored. Furthermore, ensuring transparency in data processing activities and providing users with control over their data enhances trust and complies with privacy regulations. Data privacy measures, coupled with security practices, create a robust framework for safeguarding sensitive information.
Regularly Reviewing And Updating Security Policies
Cybersecurity is not a set-and-forget endeavor. As technologies evolve and new threats emerge, security policies and procedures must be regularly reviewed and updated. This includes revising access controls, data encryption protocols, and incident response plans to address new vulnerabilities and compliance requirements. A dynamic approach to policy management ensures that the organization's security posture remains strong in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Final Thoughts
The importance of a comprehensive and proactive approach to data breach prevention cannot be overstated. By embracing a culture of continuous improvement and integrating advanced security measures, organizations can not only protect their valuable data assets but also build trust with customers and stakeholders. The journey towards enhanced cybersecurity is ongoing, requiring vigilance, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence in safeguarding information in an ever-changing threat environment.
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Security cameras are the in-thing today. They are used in many homes as a way of enhancing security. However, despite the fact that they are common; there are many wrong perceptions about them.
Surveillance cameras usually play a key role to fortify your house. These home security cameras can be installed in either the indoor or outdoor areas of your home. They are used to capture the photos and footages of possible intruders.
Since home security cameras are significant in safeguarding your home, you must know the misconceptions about them. This will enable you not to pay due regard to these misconceptions. By doing this, the effectiveness of your home security system will not be affected. Here are six myths about home security cameras;
All Security Cameras Serve the Same Purpose:
Many people think that all security cameras are the same, so they can serve the same purpose. As asserted by Tech Web Space, this is not true. There are many types of security cameras. They all work differently. Each of them is designed to fulfill a distinct security need.
For instance; there are dome, bullet, and IR day/night cameras. Bullet and dome cameras can only be installed in indoor areas, while IR day/night cameras can only be put in outdoor areas. So, a dome camera is effective to monitor your staff; while an IR day/night camera is effective to prevent burglary.
Also, IP security cameras can record a video of the ongoing activities of an intruder; while other normal surveillance cameras cannot.
There is no security camera which can fulfill two roles at the same time. So, you should know your major security problem which you intend to address. With this problem in mind, you can then choose the most appropriate type of security camera.
Security Cameras Are Super Heroes:
When some people purchase a security camera, they tend to think that they have solved all their security issues. They believe that their houses will be fortified by the virtue of them possessing a security camera system. They equate home surveillance cameras to superheroes in regard to matters of security.
This is a very wrong perception. As much as you buy a security camera, you should still take other appropriate measures to safeguard your home.
Security cameras can be limited in discharging their functions. For instance; bullet and dome camera types will not function well in dim lighting. Also, when you don’t position your camera well; you may create a blind spot. This blind spot will give a leeway which will allow criminals to operate in.
It Is Very Easy to Install a Security Camera:
You cannot learn to install a security camera after watching some few DIY tutorials. Installing a security camera is a difficult task that requires some specific skills.
You will have to be equipped with basic scientific knowledge. You will also have to understand how to match the lighting conditions and the recording angle with the camera capabilities. This is not something which you can learn within a few minutes.
So, never attempt to install a security camera by yourself. You can only attempt to do so when you have received appropriate guidance. You may tamper with it right from day one. Instead, as provided for by Tweak Your Biz; you should contact your security company which will help you out with the installation.
You Can Use a Dummy Camera Instead of a Real One to Keep Off Intruders:
Of course, there are some foolish robbers who can be frightened off at the sight of a dummy home security camera. However, this trick will not work well with an experienced thief.
In fact, most thieves can detect a non-authentic camera at an arm’s length. So, never go for shortcuts. Use real home security cameras, not fake ones.
Home Security Cameras Are Expensive:
It is only in the past ages when home security cameras were a reserve of the rich. Nowadays, surveillance cameras are affordable to all and sundry.
There are many security companies today. This has enhanced market competitiveness. Different companies are using different strategies to have an edge over each other. This has significantly reduced the costs of security cameras. Moreover, their operation and installation costs are cheap.
Home Security Cameras Are Only Used to Keep Off Intruders:
Apart from preventing the entry of intruders, surveillance cameras can serve others more purposes. For instance; you can use them to monitor your employees in your servicing business. You can also use them to check on your kids’ activities when you are away from home.
Though security cameras are mainly used to prevent crime, they can improve your general living standards. With them, your daily tasks will be simpler and more effectively done.
Conclusion:
All in all, surveillance cameras will grant you immense assistance in safeguarding your home. They will keep off intruders, reduce crime rates and, prevent robbery and burglary. Therefore, you should not allow these myths to restrain you from owning one.
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