7 Tips to Make Your Coworking Space More Secure
Coworking spaces are becoming more widespread due to the gradual increase of remote workers, freelancers, and flexible startups.
With more people using these spaces also come more security concerns, ranging from physical safety to cyber-attacks. Here are 7 tips owners and managers can use to make these spaces more secure
Create clear guidelines on how to use the space
Clearly outlining how members can use the space is one of the first steps when it comes to boosting security.
First, it’s essential to set rules aimed at keeping the workspace clean and hygienic to prevent the spread of infectious pathogens. This also involves establishing regulations on physical distances. These rules should avoid an excessive accumulation of people in a small space, which can also be detrimental in an emergency evacuation.
You should list disruptive behaviours that are prohibited in the coworking space, such as being loud and aggressive to other members or trying to violate their privacy. It’s important to make it clear that members should treat other members and the staff with respect and that problematic behaviours will not be tolerated.
Finally, it’s essential to communicate that authorities would be immediately alerted in case an individual committed a crime in the coworking space, like theft or violent acts.
Implement access control solutions
By installing access control solutions, you can achieve numerous goals.
First, you can provide an effective and secure way to limit access to the coworking space only to members and staff. Installing a card, fob, or access keypad system can allow members to access the space by simply swiping their cards/fob or entering their pin code. These systems also allow the space’s management to keep track of who’s entering and leaving the space each day and time. This information can prove very useful in the event of crimes or other undesirable events.
Access control solutions also allow management to restrict certain areas of the coworking space to staff and administrators. For these areas, you may use more advanced access control solutions like biometric scanners or multi-factor authentication (MFA) procedures.
Offer lockers and lockboxes
Coworking space members want their personal belongings to be safe at any moment. A simple way to achieve this is by offering them lockers and lockboxes where to store their properties while they work. This will increase their peace of mind and will allow them to concentrate better on their activities.
You can choose between solutions allowing members to open and close lockers and lock boxes. For example, you could install smart locks that can be opened with a code or via an app or an RFID card. Alternatively, you could install conventional locks that only require a physical key to open them. You could also sell locks with keys in your coworking space in case members didn’t bring one from home.
Take proactive steps to protect the space's Wi-Fi network
Cybersecurity is a crucial element when managing a coworking space.
Securing the space’s Wi-Fi network is crucial to protect private information belonging to both the users and the coworking company itself. A properly secured network can reduce the incidence of cyberattacks, data breaches, phishing attacks, and so on.
First, the router should be placed in a physically secure location to prevent any tampering from unauthorised individuals. You should also regularly update the router’s login data.
Enabling encryption protocols, like WPA2 or WPA3, is also crucial. Thanks to these protocols, it’s much more difficult for malicious actors to intercept sensitive information.
Take advantage of VPN services
VPN is an acronym for Virtual Private Network, and it describes a secure connection between two or multiple devices over the internet. Encrypting all the sent and received data makes it extremely difficult for hackers to intercept or steal sensitive information.
Thanks to a VPN service, coworking space members can safely work without worrying about their private data being compromised. Moreover, these services also prevent ISPs from tracking user activity and collecting personal info.
Another advantage of these services is that they can be used to bypass geo-restrictions. This means that users can access the internet content that would otherwise be censored. This can be very useful for users that use the internet to work internationally.
Consider ID Theft Protection Services
When working from a coworking space, it’s important to protect yourself from the growing risk of identity theft. Hackers can easily steal personal information such as social security numbers, credit card numbers, and bank account information.
To protect yourself, you may want to consider signing up for an ID theft protection service. These services monitor your personal information and alert you if there is any suspicious activity. They also offer features such as credit monitoring, identity restoration, and insurance in case you become a victim of identity theft.
When selecting an ID theft protection service, make sure to choose a reputable provider. Some popular options include LifeLock, Identity Guard, and IdentityForce. It’s important to do your research and read reviews to ensure that you select a reputable and trustworthy provider. For example, an in-depth review of LifeLock can help you make an informed decision about whether it’s good enough or if you need something more robust.
By taking advantage of an ID theft protection service in addition to using a VPN service, coworking space members can work with peace of mind knowing that their personal information is secure.
Use cloud solutions for data storage
Using cloud solutions to store data can provide extra security to coworking spaces, as data is stored in multiple locations instead of one physical server, which could be accessed in the event of a successful break-in by criminals. It’s also much harder for hackers to access the data by breaching multiple systems.
Another advantage of using cloud solutions is that they can be easily scaled up or down depending on your demand. This way, the coworking company can save more money by only paying for what they actually use.
Finally, data stored on the cloud can be accessed by managers from anywhere in the world with complete security.
Conclusion
Creating a secure coworking space is crucial in ensuring the safety and productivity of its members. The tips mentioned above, including the installation of security cameras, access control systems, and visitor management systems, help prevent unauthorized access and deter criminal activities. Cybersecurity measures and background checks on members can protect against cyber-attacks and identify individuals with a history of criminal activities. Additionally, having an emergency plan in place and training members on security protocols can ensure that everyone in the space knows what to do in case of an emergency. By implementing these measures, coworking space operators can provide a safe and secure environment for their members to work, collaborate and thrive.
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