For decades, business security was primarily concerned with safeguarding indoor spaces against theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access. But parking lots, loading docks, and exterior spaces have become alluring targets for criminals seeking vulnerable entry points to exploit.

As a business owner, you’re likely constantly focused on safeguarding your assets and making sure that your workplace is safe. But as technology advances, so do the threats to your company.  

Security serves as the cornerstone upon which every thriving enterprise stands, safeguarding its valuable assets and reputation from potential threats. Regrettably, numerous businesses succumb to certain security pitfalls that can severely disrupt their operational stability.

Managed access control enables organizations to control and monitor access to their building, rooms and sensitive areas. It involves implementing security measures, such as access cards, biometric authentication, or keyless entry systems, to ensure that only authorized individuals are granted entry. 

Managed access control systems streamline access management processes by centralizing the administration and oversight of access privileges. These systems provide features like user permission management, audit trails, and integration with other security systems to enhance security, efficiency, and compliance with regulations.

When it comes to business security, people often focus on external threats. Yet, it's crucial not to overlook the potential dangers posed by individuals within your organization.

Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can be just as detrimental to a company's security and success. Incidents such as internal theft, vandalism, unauthorized access, and workplace violence can have severe consequences for businesses.

The good news is, by implementing a multi-layered approach to security and company culture, your business can effectively mitigate these risks.

At Sonitrol Western Canada, we understand the significance of employee safety within any organization. Every employer has a moral and legal obligation to prioritize the well-being of their workforce. That's why we offer advanced, verified security solutions that go beyond traditional measures. 

Safeguarding your business from security threats is crucial for maintaining integrity and protecting valuable assets. Unfortunately, many businesses still fall victim to common security mistakes that leave them susceptible to breaches, theft, and other security incidents. 

Did you know that retail businesses alone in Canada lose an estimated $5 billion annually due to theft and fraud? 

Every year, close to 100,000 new businesses open in Canada each year. Many of these business owners are new to entrepreneurship, which means there’s a lot to think about and learn. One area that is often forgotten or set aside as a concern for a later date is security.

Most cities and towns, even smaller ones, have at least one Business Improvement Association (BIA). A BIA is a group of commercial property owners and renters who partner with their local municipality to help create a thriving and safe business area for customers and business people.

Door-to-door scams can feel like something of the past, especially now that so much business is being done electronically. In recent years, many scammers have transitioned to the faceless route of scamming people over phone, via email or through other online channels.

With businesses slowly opening back up, managers and business owners are trying to find the best ways to keep their employees safe. One way businesses that are doing this is by customizing their hours so that only a certain number of employees are accessing the property at a time. 

To help ensure that policies are being followed in terms of the number of people allowed on the property at once, to stop unauthorized staff and customers from entering the building and to keep your property and personnel safe, you should consider an integrated security system. 

After almost 2 months of lock-down, we are finally talking about how to re-open businesses. This includes restaurants, golf-courses, retail and non-essential business offices. At this point, policies are being drawn up to ensure public and employee safety, and many businesses are trying to figure out how to bring workers back and get operational.

There is no honour among thieves. Especially for those who are willing break into and vandalize a religious and faith-based organization.

While we would like to believe that even some places are safe from criminal activities, this is not always the case. It only takes a quick Google news search to see that this type of crime happens more frequently than you would likely believe.

Faith-based organizations do tremendous good for the community they serve, and a burglary, vandalism, assault, fire, or an act of violence, could seriously undermine their mission, not to mention put people at risk.

When an employee misplaces their key to your business, it should never be taken lightly. A lost key not only puts your business at greater risk for trespassing, vandalism, and theft, it can also put your employees at risk if they are at the office when a criminal gains access. 

That's why it's critical that misplaced keys are reported immediately and that access to the affected areas be changed - the longer you wait, the longer you risk that someone will use the key.

Business owners are right to be concerned about the security of their facility and property. Businesses are the number one targets for crime. The National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association estimates that property crime averages 75% of all crime committed. 

It's true that some types of commercial enterprises are more attractive to thieves because of what they sell or inventory - medical marijuana, jewelry, electronics, to name a few, but even if you aren't in high-end retail, don't be fooled into thinking you are safe. Thieves break into constructions sites, tire warehouses, fenced compounds, and even ordinary business offices, to steal information like employee data for identify theft.

Do you use keys to secure your business? If the answer is yes, you may be exposing your business to an uneccessary security risk.  The following is a list of 10 reasons keys might be a liability at your company.

You've probably used parking garages at some time, maybe on campus, at the mall, or even where you work.

Access control to a site or installation is one of the most essential components of a good quality security system.  

It determines who enters the area, how the access is controlled, and what technology or equipment is used to make the access happen. An access control system can range from something simple, such a fob access to a larger and more sophisticated security solution using biometrics.

You wouldn’t think twice about locking up your company’s most valuable physical assets.  But what about assets like your intellectual property? Or even valuable office equipment and PC workstations are all vulnerable to vandalism?

A managed access control system can add an extra layer of protection over and above conventional lock and key systems, with the additional benefit of varied authorization levels to protect key areas in your business.  

And with the Sonitrol Managed Access System, you’ll be able to take advantage of supervising your staff, managing security access levels, and reducing employee-triggered false alarms, with the help of our expert Central Monitoring Station operators.