On the surface, the addition of an entry security system to a building may seem excessive in some cases, but nearly any type of business can benefit from the features it offers. These systems go beyond the typical reception desks and alarm systems. Most people aren't fully aware of the components that can actually enhance a business.
First and foremost, safety is the main priority of any security system. An entry security system works to avert problematic situations at any time of the day, rather than just after hours when everything is locked up for the night or weekend. While the added safeguards show foresight as well as concern for both employees and clientele, there are several key reasons to consider installing an incremental layer of security.
Restricted Office Space
Often, if a workplace is designated for employees only and isn't set up to receive customers, then an entry security system is right up your alley. Not only does this easily keep unauthorized personnel out of the office, but it adds an element of technological sophistication to the space. Unfortunately, in this day and age, there's a need to be more vigilant about who's entering a facility, whatever the nature of your business.
Whether their purpose is nefarious or not, some people are looking to get into ostensibly off-limits buildings. Intruders can strike anywhere, not just homes. A mechanism as basic as card scanners offers added protection and security. Even during the day, office space is vulnerable to unauthorized entry. If the office is large enough, someone can enter confidently and appear as though he or she belongs without the other employees realizing.
One example is the growth of companies creating videos and online entertainment, as more locations have become susceptible to exuberant fans trying to sneak in to see the process and celebrities up close. This new medium has migrated from the larger sound stages to smaller venues that can't accommodate or afford the security detail that the bigger productions enjoy. Entry systems are well-suited for these specialized spaces that not only protect the equipment and crew, but minimize interruptions as well.
Members Only
Many gyms or transportation networks leverage systems that restrict entry based on membership or payment parameters. Technology not only makes it possible to identify the status of the cardholders attempting to gain access, but it also accelerates their ability to enter. Although it's unlikely that a crowd of people will build up waiting for front desk personnel to check their membership just so they can get into the gym to start their workout, a self-service device is preferable due to its speed. On the other hand, mass transit scenarios that have to manage large crowds of people at once require a reliable technological solution to facilitate expedited entry through the system.
Sensitive Information
Not only government offices maintain information classified as confidential. Plenty of companies have intellectual property, as well as pending business decisions that can't be shared outside the physical and technological barriers of the enterprise. While these trade secrets may seem like the primary target for thieves, more often than not, companies retain customer information that can be much more profitable. Criminals can leverage sensitive personal data for any number of unlawful purposes. Governments across the globe have passed legislation to help protect consumers, and the onus is on businesses to uphold these security measures. Maintaining a safe work environment is an important step toward preserving data security and is a core component of the process.
Turnover
Anytime your organization relies heavily on temporary positions or contractors, the entry security system are essential to keep your business compliant and employees safe. The very nature of their roles implies regular attrition and turnover, so the technology inherent in the entry mechanisms can easily restrict access once their term has ended. It may not always be possible to recover all the security devices from these interim employees, so the entry system can ensure that admittance is no longer possible even if they still have identification. In some cases, this situation may even apply to permanent employees, although it occurs less frequently. As your company grows, using an entry system to manage the permanent employee base should also be a consideration.
Similar security set-ups can be utilized within the same workspace if there are restricted areas in an office that may be off-limits to the bulk of the staff like the server room. Entry can be modified to only allow authorized individuals. Much like when several businesses share the same building, it's essential to inhibit non-employees from wandering into the wrong office.
Overcrowding
Another potential use for the entry security system is to track capacity. There are instances where crowded buildings either pose a safety hazard or hurt the customer experience. For example, if a store is holding a sale which generates crowds that the facility and salespeople are unable to manage, an entry system would have been able to indicate a capacity issue prior to the situation reaching unsafe levels. A less dire instance involving the question of space includes gyms that may get so busy that many members can't find a machine or weights that allow them to complete a decent workout.
As the name implies, safety is the crucial byproduct of any entry security system. However, technology and aesthetics work together to create a sleek addition to the entryway of any business establishment while ensuring authorized access is a priority. The initial investment may seem overwhelming, but the long-term benefits outweigh the alternatives that include the human factor. Maintaining additional staff to monitor ingress and egress can be a burdensome and imperfect process, and can also be a costly proposition. Eliminating the turnover factor, training, and unexpected absences are just a few of the advantages of a mechanized system. While you know your business better than anyone, the security that an entry system offers, coupled with the additional tracking capabilities, makes it especially appealing when considering cutting-edge protection strategies.
Online Threat Alerts Security Tips
Pay the safest way
Credit cards are the safest way to pay for online purchases because you can dispute the charges if you never get the goods or services or if the offer was misrepresented. Federal law limits your liability to $50 if someone makes unauthorized charges to your account, and most credit card issuers will remove them completely if you report the problem promptly.
Guard your personal information
In any transaction you conduct, make sure to check with your state or local consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if the seller, charity, company, or organization is credible. Be especially wary if the entity is unfamiliar to you. Always call the number found on a website’s contact information to make sure the number legitimately belongs to the entity you are dealing with.
Be careful of the information you share
Never give out your codes, passwords or personal information, unless you are sure of who you're dealing with
Know who you’re dealing with
Crooks pretending to be from companies you do business with may call or send an email, claiming they need to verify your personal information. Don’t provide your credit card or bank account number unless you are actually paying for something and know who you are sending payment to. Your social security number should not be necessary unless you are applying for credit. Be especially suspicious if someone claiming to be from a company with whom you have an account asks for information that the business already has.
Check your accounts
Regularly check your account transactions and report any suspicious or unauthorised transactions.
Don’t believe promises of easy money
If someone claims that you can earn money with little or no work, get a loan or credit card even if you have bad credit, or make money on an investment with little or no risk, it’s probably a scam. Oftentimes, offers that seem too good to be true, actually are too good to be true.
Do not open email from people you don’t know
If you are unsure whether an email you received is legitimate, try contacting the sender directly via other means. Do not click on any links in an email unless you are sure it is safe.
Think before you click
If an email or text message looks suspicious, don’t open any attachments or click on the links.
Verify urgent requests or unsolicited emails, messages or phone calls before you respond
If you receive a message or a phone call asking for immediate action and don't know the sender, it could be a phishing message.
Be careful with links and new website addresses
Malicious website addresses may appear almost identical to legitimate sites. Scammers often use a slight variation in spelling or logo to lure you. Malicious links can also come from friends whose email has unknowingly been compromised, so be careful.
Secure your personal information
Before providing any personal information, such as your date of birth, Social Security number, account numbers, and passwords, be sure the website is secure.
Stay informed on the latest cyber threats
Keep yourself up to date on current scams by visiting this website daily.
Use Strong Passwords
Strong passwords are critical to online security.
Keep your software up to date and maintain preventative software programs
Keep all of your software applications up to date on your computers and mobile devices. Install software that provides antivirus, firewall, and email filter services.
Update the operating systems on your electronic devices
Make sure your operating systems (OSs) and applications are up to date on all of your electronic devices. Older and unpatched versions of OSs and software are the target of many hacks. Read the CISA security tip on Understanding Patches and Software Updates for more information.
What if You Got Scammed?
Stop Contact With The Scammer
Hang up the phone. Do not reply to emails, messages, or letters that the scammer sends. Do not make any more payments to the scammer. Beware of additional scammers who may contact you claiming they can help you get your lost money back.
Secure Your Finances
- Report potentially compromised bank account, credit or debit card information to your financial institution(s) immediately. They may be able to cancel or reverse fraudulent transactions.
- Notify the three major credit bureaus. They can add a fraud alert to warn potential credit grantors that you may be a victim of identity theft. You may also want to consider placing a free security freeze on your credit report. Doing so prevents lenders and others from accessing your credit report entirely, which will prevent them from extending credit:
- Equifax
- Experian
- TransUnion
Check Your Computer
If your computer was accessed or otherwise affected by a scam, check to make sure that your anti-virus is up-to-date and running and that your system is free of malware and keylogging software. You may also need to seek the help of a computer repair company. Consider utilizing the Better Business Bureau’s website to find a reputable company.
Change Your Account Passwords
Update your bank, credit card, social media, and email account passwords to try to limit further unauthorized access. Make sure to choose strong passwords when changing account passwords.
Report The Scam
Reporting helps protect others. While agencies can’t always track down perpetrators of crimes against scammers, they can utilize the information gathered to record patterns of abuse which may lead to action being taken against a company or industry.
Report your issue to the following agencies based on the nature of the scam:
- Local Law Enforcement: Consumers are encouraged to report scams to their local police department or sheriff’s office, especially if you lost money or property or had your identity compromised.
- Federal Trade Commission: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357) or use the Online Complaint Assistant to report various types of fraud, including counterfeit checks, lottery or sweepstakes scams, and more.
- Identitytheft.gov: If someone is using your personal information, like your Social Security, credit card, or bank account number, to open new accounts, make purchases, or get a tax refund, report it at www.identitytheft.gov. This federal government site will also help you create your Identity Theft Report and a personal recovery plan based on your situation. Questions can be directed to 877-ID THEFT.
How To Recognize a Phishing Scam
Scammers use email or text messages to try to steal your passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they get that information, they could get access to your email, bank, or other accounts. Or they could sell your information to other scammers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks like these every day — and they’re often successful.
Scammers often update their tactics to keep up with the latest news or trends, but here are some common tactics used in phishing emails or text messages:
Phishing emails and text messages often tell a story to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment. You might get an unexpected email or text message that looks like it’s from a company you know or trust, like a bank or a credit card or utility company. Or maybe it’s from an online payment website or app. The message could be from a scammer, who might
- say they’ve noticed some suspicious activity or log-in attempts — they haven’t
- claim there’s a problem with your account or your payment information — there isn’t
- say you need to confirm some personal or financial information — you don’t
- include an invoice you don’t recognize — it’s fake
- want you to click on a link to make a payment — but the link has malware
- say you’re eligible to register for a government refund — it’s a scam
- offer a coupon for free stuff — it’s not real
About Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Online Threat Alerts or OTA is an anti-cybercrime community that started in 2012. OTA alerts the public to cyber crimes and other web threats.
By alerting the public, we have prevented a lot of online users from getting scammed or becoming victims of cybercrimes.
With the ever-increasing number of people going online, it important to have a community like OTA that continuously alerts or protects those same people from cyber-criminals, scammers and hackers, who are every day finding new ways of carrying out their malicious activities.
Online users can help by reporting suspicious or malicious messages or websites to OTA. And, if they want to determine if a message or website is a threat or scam, they can use OTA's search engine to search for the website or parts of the message for information.
Help maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA).