--- title: What is the Best Security System for a Small Business? description: While you may be drawn towards a traditional CCTV surveillance system, this is not the right choice. You should be looking at verified security options.  image: https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/Best%20Security%20for%20Small%20Business-1.png --- [Blog](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog) [Categories](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-is-the-best-security-system-for-a-small-business#) - [Verified Security Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-security-alarms) - [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security) - [CCTV Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-video-surveillance) - [Retail Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail-security) - [Security Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-tips) - [Building Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/building-access-control) - [Office Workplace Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/office-workplace-security) - [Verified Video Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-video-surveillance) - 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[Security Audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-audit) - [Small Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/small-business-security) - [Managed Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/managed-access-control) - [Prevent Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/prevent-copper-theft) - [Security for Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-fenced-compounds) - [False Alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarms) - [Police Response to Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-to-sonitrol) - [Security for Marijuana Grow-Ops](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-marijuana-grow-ops) - [Crime Prevention Tips](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/crime-prevention-tips) - [Security Systems for Schools](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-systems-for-schools) - [CCTV Versus Sonavision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cctv-versus-sonavision) - [School Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/school-security) - [Security for Pharmacies](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-pharmacies) - [Security for Warehouses & Manufacturing](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-warehouses-manufacturing) - [Fenced Compounds](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fenced-compounds) - [Government Building Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-building-security) - [Business Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/business-security) - [Keyless Entry](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-entry) - [Police Response Times](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/police-response-times) - [Professional Office Seccurity](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/professional-office-seccurity) - [Security for Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/security-for-place-of-worship) - [SonaVision](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/sonavision) - [Automotive](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/automotive) - [Dealerships](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/dealerships) - [Keyless Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/keyless-access-control) - [Retail](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/retail) - [Verified Reponse](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/verified-reponse) - [Copper Theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/copper-theft) - [Surveillance](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/surveillance) - [Workplace security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/workplace-security) - [vandalism](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/vandalism) - [Access Control](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/access-control) - [Audio Intrusion](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/audio-intrusion) - [Equipment](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/equipment) - [Financial Institutions](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/financial-institutions) - [Legal Marijuana Grow-Op Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/legal-marijuana-grow-op-security) - [Offices](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/offices) - [Place of Worship](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/place-of-worship) - [commercial security audit](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security-audit) - [Cannabis Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/cannabis-security) - [Church](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/church) - [Criminal Apprehension](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-apprehension) - [Guaranteed Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/guaranteed-commercial-security) - [Restaurants](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/restaurants) - [employee theft](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/employee-theft) - [Construction](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/construction) - [False Alarm Permits](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/false-alarm-permits) - [Fraud](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/fraud) - [Government Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/government-security) - [Technology](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/technology) - [criminal captures](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/criminal-captures) - [education](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/education) # What is the Best Security System for a Small Business? ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) September 01, 2022 ![Best Security for Small Business-1](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Best%20Security%20for%20Small%20Business-1.png?width=1200&name=Best%20Security%20for%20Small%20Business-1.png) When looking for a [security system for your small business](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/security-solutions) there are many to choose from.  While you may be drawn towards a traditional CCTV surveillance system, this is not the right choice. To ensure your business is safe you should be looking at [verified security options](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/sonitrol-verified-alarms-vs-conventional-alarms).  This is the best option for any small business. Here’s why … **What is verified security? ** [Verified alarms](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/why-sonitrol) are an innovative security system that use state-of-the-art audio and video technology to detect criminal threats at your business. When a threat is detected, a live feed is sent to a security expert at a central monitoring station. They then verify whether it’s a real threat. With this verification step, false alarm rates are significantly lower than that of traditional CCTV alarms.  [![25 Misconceptions about commercial security systems eBook](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/1e89a77a-ffa6-41b0-a344-42aa12d284e3.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/1e89a77a-ffa6-41b0-a344-42aa12d284e3) Once verified, the local police enforcement is notified with real-time information on where the criminal is and what they are doing. This improves response time, reduces damages to your business and increases apprehension rates. **What is conventional CCTV security? ** CCTV alarms, also called closed-circuit television alarms or video surveillance, use video cameras, recorders and display monitors to record activity at a business. Cameras transmit live video directly to a display monitor. This allows companies to monitor what’s going on in specific locations of their business. Cameras and monitors allow for live viewing, while recorders archive that same footage for later reference.  **Why you shouldn’t pick a CCTV security system ** Here are a few reasons why your business should steer clear of CCTV security systems:  **CCTV doesn’t stop crime in action**: Unless you have a security guard watching your CCTV 24/7, the video recorded on your CCTV alarms won’t stop a crime from happening. It simply records it as it happens so you can watch the replay. By that time, the damage has already been done. **It doesn’t deter criminals from targeting your premises**: Thieves and vandals know how to work around traditional CCTV systems. They know that as long as they wear a disguise, they have a minimum of at least 20 minutes to do what they want and then get out of there without being caught. **You won’t catch culprits red-handed**: Because criminals can leave the scene way before any law enforcement arrives to stop them, they often get away with their crimes.  **CCTV isn’t customized for your unique requirements**: Every business and location is different. Security solutions should be designed for your unique layout. Most CCTV alarm providers simply don’t take the time to analyze your company’s needs. **Why verified security is the best option for small businesses ** Here’s why verified security is the best security system for small businesses:  **You no longer have to worry about false alarms**: The average false alarm rate for CCTV alarms is a staggering 98%. In many situations, it’s simply a wild animal rummaging around in the garbage or an employee coming back to the office for something they’ve forgotten.  Verified alarms have a substantially lower false alarm rate because a security expert is reviewing the threat before calling the authorities. If it is a false alarm, they simply reset the system. This is especially important with more and more jurisdictions charging fines for false alarms or choosing to only respond to verified alarms.   **Police respond significantly faster**: Since police officers know they’re responding to a real crime, they respond significantly faster to verified alarms than traditional CCTV. In fact, the average dispatch time for Sonitrol verified alarms is just 3-4 minutes, compared to the average of 45 minutes for CCTV systems. **You will deter criminals before they set foot at small business**: Criminals know that verified alarms are more sophisticated than traditional CCTV. This means that they are more likely to avoid verified systems.  Because [Sonitrol](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/) has helped police forces apprehend more than 175,000 criminals since 1977, thieves and vandals know the Sonitrol name. When they see Sonitrol verified alarms on your premises, they’ll stay far away. **They are customized for your small business’s specific needs**: Verified alarm systems are built for the unique needs of your premises. A security expert will audit your existing security and design a verified alarm solution to enhance your security. For more information on why verified security is the best option for small businesses, [contact us today](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/contact-sonitrol-western-canada).  [![Free Security Audit](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/5281e424-fbc1-4fa0-98e4-4c5fc213d4ce.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/5281e424-fbc1-4fa0-98e4-4c5fc213d4ce) **Tags: ** [Commercial Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/topic/commercial-security) ![Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/joe-blog-avatar.png?width=50&height=50&name=joe-blog-avatar.png) Post by [Joe Wilson](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/author/joe-wilson) September 01, 2022 We provide our customers with the best commercial security solutions and quality service backed by our unique Guarantee and Commitment to Service. It's something unverified conventional alarm companies simply cannot guarantee! ### Related Articles ##### [![What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png?width=520&height=294&name=Security%20in%202026%20Whats%20Changed%2c%20What%20Hasnt%2c%20and%20What%20Your%20Business%20Actually%20Needs%20Blog%20Post.png) Verified Video Surveillance • June 05, 2026 What Your AI Camera Can't See: Commercial Security Systems in 2026 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/what-your-ai-camera-cant-see-commercial-security-systems-2026) ##### [![How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Images/How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg?width=520&height=294&name=How%20to%20Stop%20Break-Ins%20at%20Commercial%20Properties%20and%20Why%20Most%20Businesses%20Are%20Getting%20It%20Wrong.jpg) Verified Video Surveillance • April 27, 2026 How to Stop Break-Ins at Commercial Properties and Why Most Businesses Are Getting It Wrong 8 min read](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/how-to-stop-break-ins-at-commercial-properties-and-why-most-businesses-are-getting-it-wrong) ##### [![Are Business Alarm Systems Worth it? 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A Risk-Based Breakdown](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/are-business-alarm-systems-worth-it-a-risk-based-breakdown) - [Why Businesses Switch to Sonitrol Verified Security](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-businesses-switch-to-sonitrol-verified-security) - [Why Every Business Should Get a Commercial Security Audit Before Choosing a System](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/blog/why-every-business-should-get-a-commercial-security-audit-before-choosing-a-system) ![sonitrol-guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/sonitrol-guide.png?width=219&height=200&name=sonitrol-guide.png) ##### Learn what the competition isn't telling you about commercial security systems Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective, and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [Download Guide](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/25-misconceptions-about-commercial-alarm-systems-and-problems-with-conventional-cctv-alarms) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) ![book-light (2)](https://www.sonitrolwesterncanada.com/hubfs/2024%20Website/Images/book-light%20(2).svg) Free eBook: Learn What The Competition Isn't Telling You About Commercial Security Systems #### There are lots of problems with conventional, commercial security alarm systems that you need to know about. Become a more informed security system buyer, as this guide explains in detail why conventional alarms are ineffective and could make your business vulnerable to theft and robbery. [![Read the Free Guide](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/325814/74f580dc-96d9-4e5a-bd7c-ff3d4a60f554)