Protecting Your Investment: Small Business Security Systems for Entrepreneurs

Overview of What Each Service Has to Offer

We made a list of some of the best business security systems available for various use cases. Here is a list of our top picks from business security systems in 2024:

Vivint

Vivint is undoubtedly one of the most powerful smart home security systems owing to its smart touchscreen-based control panel and AI-powered security cameras for small businesses. It delivers an unmatchable smart security experience for its users. Some of its notable features include.

Professional Monitoring – All Vivint systems come with cellular backup and professional monitoring options for home security.

Easy Integration – Vivint works very well with Google Assistant, Alexa, Nest, and Philips Hue smart lighting.

User-friendly – It is super convenient to use on both Androids and iPhones.

Its starting price is $19.99 per month.

ADT

ADT has undergone the tests of time and is ahead of several of its competitors when it comes to small business security systems. It is not only trustworthy but is also one of the oldest business security systems in the market. Its features are as follows.

Smart Integration – ADT easily integrates with different third-party products such as Alexa and Google Assistant. These integrations tend to make it truly possible for users to control their security systems effectively with their voice or create special smart home commands that make life convenient.

User-Friendly – It is also one of the most user-friendly apps on the market and is easy to use with both Androids and iPhones.

It costs $194.98 as a starting price.

SimpliSafe

The best thing about SimpliSafe is that it provides its users with multiple options, such as DIY installation, professional one-to-self, or professional monitoring. Another great thing about choosing SimpliSafe is that it does not require users to sign up for a very long time, as all its contracts are from month to month. Here are its top traits.

Easy Integration – It integrates with both Google Assistant and Alexa. Installation can be professional or DIY.

User-Friendly – The free app makes the management of home security more convenient and accessible.

It costs somewhere around $124.98.

Abode

Even though it’s a relatively newer security system on the block, it has the smartest platform integrations. Moreover, its system boasts an innovative design. Unlike ADT and Vivint, it does not force users to subscribe to long, monthly plans or long contracts. The features are listed here.

Convenient – It has a very easy installation system, which allows you to save money on having it installed professionally.

Smart – It comes with several options for CUE home automation and vocal commands.

It costs a reasonable rate of $6.99 per month.

Frontpoint

If you are looking for the easiest and the simplest way of adding a security system to your business, try Frontpoint, and you won’t be disappointed. It has a lot to offer of value and also has one of the easiest DIY setups in the market. Following is what it has to offer.

Smart Management – This can be controlled by voice alone and integrated with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Easy to Install – It takes very little time to do a DIY installation.

Excellent Support – It offers great customer support, which is better than any other small business security system.

Frontpoint’s starter package is available at $129.

Detailed Reviews and User Experiences

Let us take a look at some of the real-world applications and user experiences for our chosen business security systems.

Vivint

Users were generally very happy with Vivint as its systems always function correctly. They reported that if there is an issue with the equipment, it is quickly replaced or fixed. Moreover, the customer representatives at Vivint are extremely friendly and fairly accessible in case of any problems. Users reported that they felt safe using this security system.

ADT

Customers have reported that ADT’s reliability has improved over the years and is very easy to use. There also have been hardly ever shipping or delivery issues. However, customer service may not be as great as that of other small business security systems.

Simplisafe

Users claim that SimpliSafe’s installation is super easy and can be easily done by the users themselves. The cost of the monitoring, if included, is also very reasonable. The users were of the view that it was hard to find any other business security system as good as SimpliSafe at this price.

Abode

Customers were reported to be extremely happy with Abode because of its ease of use and the fact that it has no monitoring fees. Moreover, the users were also impressed with its cool features, such as control through a phone app and an exceptional range of door sensors.

Frontpoint

Frontpoint customers loved the customer support service that they received from the company. Moreover, the customers reported that the signup was super convenient, as well as its installation.

Security Risks and Needs Assessment Guide

Conducting a security risk assessment is a very systematic process that is crucial for the mitigation and identification of potential threats. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensuring your business undergoes a deep evaluation.

1. Catalog all digital and physical assets and understand the importance and value of each asset.
2. Determine the threats and vulnerabilities by identifying potential threats and analyzing them in the present security measures.
3. Assess the potential impact and likelihood of each threat.
4. Develop plans for reducing, eliminating, or managing risk identification.
5. Consider both reactive and preventive strategies.

Here is a checklist of areas where a business must keep a careful look at:

External Security

• Controlling measures for the entry points
• Security at gates, fencing, and barriers
• Patrolling and camera systems
• Adequate lighting in and around the premises

Internal Security

• Employee Access Controls – Restricted access levels and areas
• Safeguarding critical assets and data
• Working on emergency procedures such as evacuation plans, fire exits, and emergency drills

Physical Security

• Adequate internal and external lighting
• Operational surveillance system
• Access to control measures for all sensitive areas
• Regularly tested for emergency and safety equipment

Technology and Integration

It is very important for modern business security systems to be flexible and scalable. They should be able to integrate well with third-party apps and systems such as smart lighting and environmental controls.

Here are the top five trends in business security systems when it comes to technology and integration.

Artificial Intelligence

AI has become a game changer in the security industry. They can analyze massive amounts of data, helping them distinguish between suspicious and normal activities accordingly. This technology has efficiently reduced any false alarms, making the security systems more reliable and efficient.

Remote Monitoring

Cloud-based storage has completely revolutionized how security footage is accessed and stored. This recorded video footage can also be stored remotely on secure servers.

Biometric Security

Biometric security has also become very significant, which includes using unique biological characteristics for individual authentication such as facial features, fingerprints, voice recognition, and iris patterns. These are being integrated into business security systems in different ways.

Cybersecurity Measures

As businesses rely excessively on technology, cybersecurity has become a significant priority for them, and they are vulnerable to attacks and cyber threats. Businesses are implementing robust measures to protect their data against breaches and unauthorized access.

Legal and Insurance Considerations

Legal compliance and insurance coverage are really important for business security. Both are cornerstones for small businesses as they provide security against third-party claims for property damage, bodily injury, and advertising liability.

For instance, if a customer slips and falls inside your company’s premises, insurance can help in dealing with the issues effectively. Business security systems such as eufy are a great help in cases like these where legal issues are involved. They also help in reducing insurance premiums.

DIY (Do It Yourself) vs. Professional Installation

All businesses wish to feel secure and sound to ensure that their functions are running smoothly. Different security systems come with different handling requirements. While some might opt for professional installation, others will choose DIY.

Let us take a look at the pros and cons of each separately.

DIY Security System

The best aspect of DIY security systems is that there are no installation fees involved. Therefore, it is ideal for small businesses that are on a budget. This can be beneficial when you have chosen a simple security system.

However, if you have bought a more complex system, DIY might not be as easy. In addition, as it does not involve collaboration with professionals, you might be missing out on key components of building up an impactful security network. A DIY security system will also hardly ever come with warranties or guarantees.

Professional Installation

The best part about professional installation is that it requires significant help from the experts; therefore, it means that professionals who understand security well are involved. They can help out wherever hiccups arise. Moreover, with professionals involved, you do not need to worry about the security of your business.

The only con of using professionals for installation is the significant cost involved, as well as the maintenance service investments. These costs tend to be quite high as compared to a DIY system that is just installed once.

Security System Maintenance and Upgrades

Regular maintenance and upgrading of a security system are fairly crucial parts of any business’s strategy to maximize efficiency. Business owners who tend to perform a regular security system checkup are able to take the most out of their security system, minimizing the chances of any downtime.

Many businesses, whether large or small, use preventive maintenance measures to anticipate potential faults in the security processes. By combining maintenance with upgradation, the security system is bound to function at an optimal level.

Questions to Ask Providers

If you are running a business, you would know that finding a security system that best fits your needs can be quite a daunting task. Here are a few important questions to ask your providers that can help you get the ball rolling.

1. What is the approach to assessing a site and making security-related recommendations?
2. Which solutions does your company represent?
3. How many dedicated engineers and staff do you have locally?
4. What are your specific contract terms?
5. What do we need to pay once and then recurring?
6. Do you allow for system customization?
7. How do you support your customers?

Future Trends in Business Security

The following are the future trends in business security:

1. Adoption of Mobile Credential Systems

The adoption of mobile credential systems is going to be a new trend in business security as it will allow businesses to implement wider integrations and additional policies for improving on-site security.

2. Cloud-Based Data Storage

As many organizations shift to hybrid and remote working schedules, cloud-based data storage will become even more central. With so many employees working remotely, it is only necessary that they acquire access to important company data from several remote locations. This calls for the strengthening of cloud security measures to prevent data breaches.

3. Drone Surveillance

As employees work remotely and even in different sections or departments, drone surveillance will be a new trend in business security to ensure that no place remains unchecked.

4. Biometrics

Biometrics are essential to individual authentication and ensure that only the relevant people have access to confidential data.