Your home office won’t benefit from the high security levels of a larger office – so you’ve got to make sure you create a safe environment for everything from expensive pieces of equipment to important digital files…
Working from home means that you often have both expensive equipment like computers, printers and tablets on the premise, while also dealing with sensitive files and possibly hard cash. These can make home offices a target for burglars.
It means you need to take steps to protect yourself both physically and digitally.
Doors and windows
These are the points of entry for any break in and so should be secured. Make sure that everything is secure – this includes adding five lever mortice locks to doors.
The Door and Hardware Federation sets the standard for security with the BS 8220-3:2004 locks the ones you should be looking at.
But before you start installing new locks, there are a few simple things you can do such as making sure your expensive goods are out of sight, moving them away from windows and doors.
And, of course, the main point is that locks are only any good if they are used. Remember to always lock up when off the premise.
CCTV
It might seem overkill but a CCTV camera (or even a fake one) is one of the best deterrents to burglaries.
These days they can be bought relatively cheaply and can be connected to your mobile so you can get instant warnings if there’s anyone on your property that shouldn’t be.
Another option is simple security lighting. When used in conjunction with CCTV it can provide a deterrent and help capture clear images of any intruders.
Safe
For anything left in your home office overnight, it might be worth investing in a high quality safe.
This means you can leave sensitive files, data-filled hard drives and more in here. Though we wouldn’t recommend leaving cash in them for any extended period – any cash you have should be banked at the end of the day.
Passwords
When it comes to digital safety, the first port of call is passwords. Whether it’s on your computer, tablet, mobile, or Wi-Fi, you need to make sure you have a strong password that’s updated regularly and different from other ones. Also, don’t write it down.
A good tip is to make your password a phrase not a word – like Th1sisNotmyp@ssword (although not necessarily that exact one). This makes it a lot harder to hack.
Antivirus
These programmes can help protect you from digital burglars.
Go for a well-reviewed programme and make sure to keep it up to date so it tackles all the latest computer viruses. You’ll also need to run regular scans of your computer and deal with any issues that arise.
Hard-drives
It’s worth moving your important documents onto your hard drive daily just in case your computer does get attacked and you’re either unable to access it or someone else takes control of it.
A hard drive can be easily removed and a password protection system added to it for an extras layer of security in case you leave it somewhere.
Keep it away from your computer in a safe for added protection.
Posted by The Secret Businessman