As businesses grow and evolve, it’s common to get caught up in the exciting (and exhausting) demands of scaling and expanding. But in the midst of this, organizations often overlook important business security threats. Neglecting these areas can lead to significant risks down the line and unexpected disruptions that slam the brakes on a successful operation. Let’s take a closer look at five often-missed areas that could have serious consequences if not properly managed.
Business Security Threats
Social Engineering
Why It May Be Overlooked:
- Focus on Cyber Security: Growing businesses often prioritize cyber security measures like firewalls and antivirus software, assuming these will cover all bases. Social engineering attacks, which exploit human behavior, might not seem as urgent or technical.
- Lack of Awareness: There may be insufficient awareness or understanding of social engineering tactics and their impact. Employees might not be trained to recognize these tactics, thereby increasing vulnerability.
Social engineering attacks are in a never-ending game of cat and mouse, constantly evolving. The Nigerian prince scam might be a meme now, but laugh at your own peril—its real success in deceiving people cannot be ignored. Curious about the latest scams? A recent Forbes article explores tactics that are still very much alive, growing more sophisticated, and costing companies millions.
Theft and Misconduct by Employees
Why It May Be Overlooked:
- Trust in Employees: Growing businesses may operate on a foundation of trust, assuming employees won’t engage in theft or misconduct, which can lead to lax monitoring.
- Focus on External Threats: The attention is often on external threats (e.g., cyberattacks, burglaries) rather than internal risks. Internal theft might not be seen as significant compared to other business security threats.
A recent case involving a Chicago school official who stole $1.5 million worth of chicken wings is a reminder of the sometimes unexpected nature of internal theft. Even someone you’ve trusted for years can turn out to be a thief.
Workplace Violence
Why It May Be Overlooked:
- Underestimation of Risk: Businesses might underestimate the risk or severity of workplace violence, it can take many forms and keeping track of all possible scenarios is a monumental task. Training employees to recognize and respond to situations can be overwhelming, leading to gaps in preparedness.
- Focus on Growth: Rapid growth can lead to a focus on scaling operations and expanding market reach, potentially neglecting workplace violence programs, which is a core business security threat. As companies shift their attention to new opportunities, maintaining comprehensive training and robust safety measures for every form of workplace violence can unintentionally slip through the cracks.
Consider this scenario where a customer punches an employee over a pizza order. Business security threats like this are more common than you might think. What are the essential steps, liabilities, and training needed to protect employees and the business?
Emergency Preparedness
Why It May Be Overlooked:
- Short-Term Priorities: In the rush to address current operational demands and drive growth, businesses may sideline emergency preparedness, viewing it as less urgent compared to immediate concerns.
- Assumption of Low Probability: There may be an assumption that emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, utility failures) are unlikely to occur, especially if the business has not faced such events before.
On top of natural disasters, civil unrest is a growing concern across the globe. A recent report on the impact of riots in the UK shows how the threat of widespread unrest led to a 10% drop in sales and significant disruptions.
OSHA Compliance
Why It May Be Overlooked:
- Regulatory Complexity: OSHA regulations can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially for growing businesses without dedicated compliance staff. This complexity can lead to inadvertent non-compliance.
- Resource Constraints: Smaller or rapidly growing businesses often lack the resources to dedicate to comprehensive OSHA compliance efforts. This lack of resources can lead to unintentional oversights and business security threats.
A recent OSHA report highlights ongoing failures at a veterans’ medical center to protect staff from workplace violence, emphasizing the critical need for adherence to safety regulations.
Anticipating business security threats doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Awareness is the first step. From there, it’s about dedicating the time, energy, and expertise to maintaining a secure and safe environment. Follow us here for news, tips, and strategies. If you need assistance identifying and handling business security threats, don’t hesitate to talk to us and see how we can help.
About TAL Global
TAL Global specializes in security consulting and risk management, offering tailored solutions for your organization. Our experts are recognized thought leaders in conducting comprehensive risk assessments, developing strategic plans, and delivering engaging training programs.
With decades of experience and hundreds of successful interventions, we have consistently protected people and assets. Follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube for tips and strategies. For a deeper look into security insights, subscribe to our newsletter for focused discussions. You can also Talk To Us for more custom-made, expert solutions.
