How to choose the right intrusion deterrent system for your business

It pays to spend time choosing an intrusion deterrence system.

Your security tools shouldn't just protect you against physics-defying burglars, slinking like cats in the shadows, ready to pounce.

Intrusions can also be digital, like data breaches and malware. They can be financially crushing, and highly sophisticated at finding businesses’ weaknesses. 

So, what is an intrusion deterrence system? Simply put, it helps protect a company's network, and stops attackers gaining further access.

Choosing the right security system for your business can be overwhelming. While opting for a generic one may eliminate stress in the short term, it could lead to a whole multitude of problems in the long run. 

Taking your time and looking at various options allows you to make an informed decision based on thorough research, meaning you should end up with a security solution that best meets your needs. 

7 tips for choosing a security system that aligns with your business requirements

• Understand your requirements
  To pick a system, or the right combination, you must first understand your company’s needs and identify the data that requires monitoring. Is the data highly sensitive? How damaging would an intrusion be? How quickly and easily do your staff members need to access a network to carry out their day-to-day tasks and complete sales? 

To help you better understand your business’ needs, ask yourself the following questions:

• What resources does my company currently have?
  Can your existing security department sufficiently react to a detected threat, or do you need a system that automatically does this for you? Or, you might prefer to blend both manual and automated processes. Niō, our iDter Security Camera, not only detects threats but also takes immediate action to deter attackers, activating flood lights, red and blue strobes, piercing sirens and audio communications.
• How big is my company?
  Consider how many devices you need to protect, and how many people will be using a network at any given time. Perhaps you only need a system that safeguards a handful of your most valuable devices. Maybe you want to limit it to wireless networks for more targeted detection and response, or provide broader protection across your company’s entire network.
• What threats do I need my new system to detect?
  When shopping for a new security system, ask the seller exactly what each product can detect. There are two powers of detection these tools can wield. Some are well-established models that compare threats to a database of known malicious behavior, like email subject lines regularly used in phishing scams. Others identify patterns of behavior and therefore have the additional power of detecting new types of attacks.
• Do I want the freedom to decide how to respond to an attacker?
  You may prefer to respond manually to detected intrusions, especially if you worry that too many false alarms could be disruptive to staff relying on smooth-running networks to carry out their jobs. You may want to pick a system that gives employees the time to investigate the event and make an informed decision about whether further action is actually needed.
• How sensitive is the data I need to protect?
  If you work with highly sensitive data, cyberattacks could be catastrophic. For this reason, you might prefer a system that takes immediate action against them. Be aware that many malware attacks are becoming faster and more sophisticated, so acting quickly can help limit the damage they cause.
• Will my devices be left unmanned for long periods?
  If you need to protect your devices around-the-clock, then a system that immediately blocks and deters attackers might be the one for you. Ultimately, it offers peace of mind when you’re away. With a solution like Niō, you won’t need to hire people to work unsociable hours. If hostile behavior is identified, iDter personnel will help alert the authorities.

Should you audit your security processes prior to purchasing a new deterrence system?

Cyber crime is growing, and your security system should make the villains of the digital world quake in their boots.

The best way to check if your current security processes are up to the job is to audit them. No-one wants to waste money on fancy tools that gather digital dust, which is why carrying out an audit before you splurge on a new deterrence system is a must.

Audits help to identify existing vulnerabilities and gaps in your security processes, so that you only buy the solutions you need, and don’t miss out on the ones you do.

To conduct one, first decide whether you need to focus on assessing the strength of a specific application, or comprehensively review them all.

Next, identify your team. These are the people with the experience and expertise to conduct safety audits. These could be your employees, or you might want to hire a consultant. Think about the information and resources they will require.

If knowledge is power, then arm your team with as much information about your current system as possible to enable them to identify all blindspots. 

Vulnerabilities can include weak passwords, risky worker behavior or problems with software or hardware. You may need to review documents, interview staff and make technical assessments to uncover these.

Now, assess any risks. How likely is an attack? How damaging could it be? How well can your system limit the risks?

Your team should also provide solutions. They may recommend additional staff training, software or hardware updates or new security controls.

Finally, clearly present the audit’s results to senior managers so that they can be integrated into your business’ security strategy and culture.

Choosing a KEYper intrusion deterrence system 

Not all security systems on the market are equal.

Some monitor traffic, alert you to potential threats and learn to spot malicious behavior. Others have greater capabilities, taking further action against attackers. But each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Your security system could be a powerful ally in halting intruders and minimizing damage. Or it could regularly disrupt your employees working life with too many false alarms. So, don’t just throw caution to the wind and opt for any old solution out there. 

Instead, carefully assess your business’ current security weaknesses and requirements before you invest in new measures.

From our security camera to smart software, KEYper has a range of intrusion deterrence systems to satisfy a raft of needs, whatever your industry. Let us walk you through the sometimes mind-boggling process of choosing new security tools by booking one of our personal demos.