Security concerns cost businesses a lot of money every year. Data breaches are the main concern, with an unbelievable 43% of businesses reporting data breaches in 2013 alone. Studies have shown that companies are assailed by hackers an average of 16,800 times a year, and every time data is leaked, the company has to pay out for PR, brand management, lost revenue and productivity, and compliance costs, among other things. As a result, most businesses have tight security settings on their IT systems. However, you should never discount the old fashioned way of stealing- in person. Here’s a handy guide to choosing a system that will make your business impervious to thiefs.

Types of security systems

1. Video.
   This is most commonly used in companies that would like to monitor the activities of their employees via security cameras. Usually, business owners prefer this method to keep an eye on safes and cash registers while they are away.
2. Access Control.
   This type of security system generally restricts entry to a building or a room that is only available to authorized personnel. They will generally sound an alarm when someone tries to gain entry without the code, and some even notify the police after a certain time interval.
3. Wireless.
   Wireless designs are generally used by businesses that are more mobile, are expecting to move offices, or rent their space. The system is mobile and wireless, but it falls on the business owner to make sure batteries are up to date and alert the police in case of a breach.

Other things to consider when consulting on a security system for a business :

• Is the security company licensed in the state the system will be installed?
• How will the system be connected? Owners should avoid connecting it to the main business telephone system as this will be the primary target for criminals to cut.
• The security system should be able to monitor all entrances and exits to the building, including the windows.
• Consider an option that also transmits information to a smartphone, so the business owner can be immediately notified of a break-in and determine whether it really is a police matter (as opposed to an employee who forgot the code.)
• Will each employee get a separate entrance code or will it be the same for everyone? Is there a way to update or change the code?
• Make sure you inquire about the total cost for the system, including fees for changing passwords.