In a world where both physical and cyber security threats are abundant it is crucial that business owners conduct a full risk assessment of the threats they face.

Whilst it is essential that you guard yourself against theft, vandalism, cyber-theft and other well-known crimes there are also some more obscure lesser known threats that you do need to take into consideration.

We are a top security company in Newcastle who specialise in conducting risk assessments on behalf of businesses and other organisations and are well aware of every possible threat, but physical and online that you could face.

All too often we see companies focus solely on the ‘big’ issues, ignoring the hidden threats that can often lead to their downfall or at least cost them a huge amount of money.

We don’t want to see you fall into the same trap.

In this article, we will examine some of those lesser known security risks that you should be aware of, preventing you from making the mistake of overlooking surprise security concerns.

Top unexpected Security Risks

Supply chain issues

It is easy to focus all of your efforts on your own security, but if the security of your supplier or the supply chain you get your products or equipment through isn’t secure, you have a problem.

Of course, you can’t go and examine the security of every supplier or partner you have in minute detail, but you can do your research to ensure that they have been operating without issues for many years and have taken suitable precautions to avoid common threats.

Being connected is one of your biggest advantages as a modern business, but can make you vulnerable if you are not careful.

Old electronics

Avoid simply throwing away your old computers and company devices without first making sure that they have been wiped of all potentially sensitive information.

Your customers don’t care how their information was stolen just that it happened so take care to dispose of all electronics responsibly and securely.

Physical Security

This hardly sounds like an uncommon security threat but in a world where cyber security is, rightly, such a big deal, it is important that you don’t forget about the physical threat of crime that is always present.

Do not leave yourself exposed to theft or vandalism just because you have the best cyber security set-up in the world. Security is all about balance and the balance between physical and cyber security is one of the most important to strike.

Legal compliance

Businesses are required to navigate their way through a minefield of legal compliance these days and a failure to do so is just as much of a threat to your business as any criminal or cyber attack.

Financial penalties, suspension or removal of licences and a serious hit to your reputation are just some of the things that you can expect if you fail to take your legal responsibilities seriously.

Stay fully up-to date with all the latest changes in this regard and you will be just fine.