Install in-store security systems
While points of sale are mostly open, some lockdown restrictions still require the closure of many premises. This means that both open and temporarily closed physical stores are vulnerable to theft and damage. And while social distancing measures require a minimum distance between people, security technologies are in higher demand than ever.
In-store security can be improved by an organisational and technical method of counteracting criminals. Security policy and employee security training can help to prevent many threats related to employee behaviour, social engineering, etc.
Use security solutions to mitigate health and safety risks
A retail surveillance security system can help to control the number of customers allowed in the building, which is a number one priority during COVID-19 restrictions. CCTV cameras and sensors can also come in handy for tracking customers’ temperatures. Security officers with handheld temperature checking devices are the new normal. However, security cameras powered by infrared technology automatically track body temperature, allowing security guards to focus on other priorities.
Contactless payment is another technology solution that helps prevent the spread of the virus, and it saw a significant uptick in 2020. With the implementation of technology comes responsibility. Encrypting credit card swipers will prevent hackers from accessing customers’ credit card data and reduce the amount of credit card fraud.
Once you put your security system online for remote access, support, and maintenance, or connect it to the local network, which in turn is connected to the internet, make sure it is secure. Here are some ideas on how to ensure network security:
- Peer-2-Peer (P2P) method. Use P2P to first transfer data through a third-party server before connecting to your system.
- Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows a direct connection with your security system and is one of the most secure ways to access it.
- Port forwarding. Use this process to direct traffic from the outside world to the appropriate server, resulting in a direct connection to your security system through your internet router.
Focus on eCommerce cybersecurity
The rising number of cybersecurity threats and the continuous growth of online shopping requires retail industry players to keep customers’ data secure. The level of security technology implementation in retail is lower compared to many other industries.
According to the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2020, 40% of respondents in the retail and wholesale sector hadn’t undertaken any action (see the chart below) to identify cybersecurity risks in the previous 12 months.
