In today’s world businesses need to plan against security risks such as theft, loss of proprietary information, violence, brand reputation and numerous other threats that can easily damage their operations, and the best way to counter these risks is with security awareness.

The fact is that most businesses do not have a security department, and they rely on physical security measures, electronic security systems, and staff to protect the business assets.  However, the physical security measures and any security technology will only be effective if staff knows how to use them and they understand when to rely on them.

Security Awareness Training

One of the best approaches to protect your business assets is to provide security awareness training for your staff.  Business owners and management need to insure that employees have the knowledge, tools, and direction on how you want your business assets protected. If you do not give them the tools or ability to protect your assets then you should not be disappointed if they fail to recognize a threat right in front them.

Security awareness is knowing what security risks or threats that a business may be subjected to and how to work to eliminate those threats or risks or at least minimize them.  It also involves teaching staff exactly how to respond in the event of an adverse security situation.

For example, many retail businesses may teach their staff how to respond to an armed robbery or even a shoplifter, but fail to teach them how to handle either in the event that unfolds contrary to what they were taught.

Many crimes can be prevented if the employees are taught how to recognize the warning signs and how to respond before the crime occurs. Just teaching staff to respond to the actual crime, verses giving them training on prevention is allowing staff to be placed in harm’s way first and then knowing what to do to get out of it safely.  Why not teach them prevention and empower them to make proper security decisions before the gun is shoved in their face?