Top 5 Security Vulnerabilities we see in local Businesses
Commercial Businesses face unique security challenges. A single breach can disrupt daily operations, damage reputation, and lead to costly downtime. At Griffin Security and Technology, we have seen the same vulnerabilities crop up again and again. We’ve helped our clients shore them up with practical, user-friendly solutions.
Weak Passwords
So many businesses still rely on factory default user names and passwords for camera systems, computers, and network devices. These default logins are an open invitation for anyone with basic network knowledge.
How to Fix It: Use strong, unique passwords on all devices, and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. With multi-factor authentication also comes the necessity for strong, unique passwords for all employee email accounts.
Allowing Customers/Guests on the Business’ Main Wi-Fi Netowrk
Allowing customers or guests to connect to your business’ main Wi-Fi network opens up every single device on the network to huge cyber-security vulnerabilities. With very basic network knowledge, every customer/guest can scan your network and attempt to connect to every PC, cash register, server, printer, etc.
How to Fix It: Provide a separate “Guest” Wi-fi network for customers and guests that is properly segmented and isolated from your main network. Segmentation and isolation means your customers will still be able to browse the web, but won’t be able to scan the network to try to find your devices.
Poor Camera Placement and Coverage
Cameras tucked under awnings, pointed at the ground, covered in spider webs, or out of focus leaves blind spots that can be a big issue. Without proper coverage of your most-needed areas, you won’t have the footage you need when an incident occurs.
How to Fix It: Conduct a professional site survey to map out key entry points, blind spots, and the most valuable coverage areas. Mount high-quality cameras at the optimal height/angle and choose the proper lenses that balance feidld of view with coverage detail. Regularly review footage samples to ensure your capturing the areas you need the most.
Lack of Regular Maintenance and Updates
Outdated software, spiderweb-covered cameras, and un-repaired alarm systems can leave your system useless when you need it the most.
How to Fix It: Schedule quarterly inspections and maintenance for all of your security components. Test your alarm systems monthly. Routine inspections can identify an issue with your critical systems, before you need it.
Improperly Installed Access Control Systems
Access Control Systems are the key component for controlling who enters your facility, but it also must always let people out. Improperly installed access control systems are more likely to fail and lead to loss of life or injury during an emergency or fire, especially magnetic locks (maglocks).
How to Fix It: Hire a professional, licensed, high-quality security company to install your access control system. If you have an existing access control system, especially one with a maglock, have a professional security company come in and audit the system to see if it meets Life Safety code.
We will continue to strive to help local businesses address these issues, and many others. If you are interested in a security systems assessment, or want to learn more about our custom, layered approach to security solutions, contact us at Griffin Security and Technology. We’d love to help!
BONUS:
Your IT/Security closet can turn into a giant tangled mess very quickly. Having everything unorganized and tangled together can lead to network service disruption, loss of camera coverage, delay of repair and many other things.
Our technicians really love a good closet clean up, and to be totally honest, we pride ourselves on our extreme overuse of our professional label makers. So please, reach out to us before the tech spaghetti monster causes issues in your business.
