This allows modern CEOs to successfully create, manage and support hybrid teams and multinational projects, as well as scale their operations with optimized efficiency. 

However, as growing businesses continue to become more reliant on digital communications, data-driven insights, and the use of smart technology systems to gain a competitive advantage in often saturated global markets, intelligent and adaptive security systems become increasingly essential. 

New research indicates that 88% of US businesses have reported a measurable rise in instances of physical security threats in recent years, with steadily increasing rates of sophisticated cyber-attacks estimated to cost the global economy around $6 trillion per year. For proactive leaders wishing to appropriately defend themselves from such risks, here are 5 security actions every CEO should take. 

#1 – Invest in automation

One of the major benefits gleaned from recent advancements in smart technology is the ability for internal security teams to pre-empt and respond to multi-platform threats automatically. Considering that modern cyber-attacks are reported to occur at a frequency of one every 11 seconds, and around 70% of businesses are understaffed in security departments, automated defenses have become vital. 

By developing an intelligent security system built using converged technologies, business security teams can make better use of collected data insights to both detect potential vulnerabilities exposed across multiple essential systems and automatically prevent hackers from accessing sensitive data. 

For example, by allowing physical security devices such as access control systems and on-site IoT alarms to continually communicate with active cybersecurity software, teams can program triggers in response to unexpected changes in credential behavior or user actions. This information can then be used to automatically alert security staff and lock specific devices to prevent serious breach events. 

#2 – Remote security management

Though leveraging more unique technologies to bolster business security systems can help teams to better detect and prevent suspected physical and cybersecurity threats, large-scale systems can be more trouble than they’re worth if admins are not able to easily access installed devices at all times. 

To provide internal security teams with a suitably holistic view of all active security systems, CEOs should look towards developing a bespoke remote-access management platform that’s capable of presenting trusted admins with the ability to access, monitor and adjust connected devices from afar. 

By integrating all business security cameras, access control devices, on-site alarms, and related IoT sensors alongside a cloud-based monitoring and management platform, teams can view unfolding security events concerning the system as a whole. Implementing such a cloud-connected network allows staff to receive real-time alerts and program automated responses with all controls easily accessible via secure smart devices. 

#3 – Smart password protections

Data published in Verizon’s 2022 Data Breach Investigations Report found that as many as 82% of all reported security breaches involve some degree of human error, with supporting data finding that an estimated 66% of American staff are found to use the same credentials to secure multiple separate accounts, revealing the importance of intelligent password policies in terms of protecting businesses from threats. 

By ensuring that all employees across every internal department are both aware of how to best utilize modern password protections and instructed to regularly change active credentials to defend against potential company data breaches, CEOs can better protect themselves from large-scale security risks. 

It’s advised that CEOs choose to follow trusted password protocols such as requiring credentials to contain unique symbols, a mixture of numbers and letters, and meet a minimum length of 16 characters, though smart password security will include features like multi-factor authentication (MFA) supported by biometrics as these policies can prevent as many as 99.9% of common cyber-attacks. 

#4 – Provide frequent training

When it comes to effective business security policies, CEOs must understand that their employees are an essential asset. Teams can pour valuable resources into designing and implementing vast interconnected security networks, though if staff are not appropriately trained in how to safely use these devices, numerous exploits may be uncovered that could expose sensitive data to sophisticated criminals. 

Instigating a security training program in which employees across all departments are frequently taught how to detect, prevent and defend against continually evolving physical and cybersecurity threats will help CEOs to instill a strong culture of security within their businesses to provide long-term protection. 

Monthly security meetings used to inform staff of novel threats and newly installed systems will help to ensure that all employees are permanently aware of active security policies, as well as strengthen the professional relationship between security teams and unconnected departments, ultimately acting to prevent common breaches caused by negligence such as phishing, ransom, and malware attacks. 

#5 – Consider AI integrations

AI-informed data analytics programs and software tools are becoming more commonplace in modern institutions, with one particularly useful implementation of such technologies being their use in smart business security systems. By integrating AI-powered tools alongside existing security hardware, staff can better manage incident responses and improve efficiencies through data-driven automation. 

For example, CEOs may consider investing in license plate recognition software used to improve the operation of outdoor CCTV cameras. These systems can be programmed to detect the presence of suspicious vehicles and automatically notify security teams to provide monitored property security. 

In addition, facial recognition software can be used to help teams search through recorded CCTV footage to locate relevant files in the event of a suspected intrusion or breach event, allowing staff to dramatically improve incident response times as well as better understand unfolding security threats. 

Conclusion

As more modern businesses continue to transition towards the use of converged security systems to the benefit of hybrid teams and smart business management platforms, CEOs must take the time to carefully consider how best to update existing security policies to prevent novel security threats. 

By supporting often stretched security staff through the implementation of automated technologies, remote-access management systems, and AI-informed data analysis software, CEOs can make the most efficient use of potentially limited resources, and by creating a strong security culture through frequent training programs teams can ensure all staff are actively working to prevent novel security threats.