With the current economic times, many people are embracing work at home opportunities as a way to earn extra income. This means that home offices are on the rise and they provide extra target spots for burglars. Your home office will have a computer or laptop and telephone among other valuable equipment that could be of interest to burglars. They go for things that are portable and could fetch quick money. So, protecting your home office is as crucial as protecting your entire home. 

How to make your home office safer

Position office equipment appropriately

Before a burglar actually breaks in, they often monitor a home and peep to determine the valuables they would carry. So, position your computers, printers and laptops away from the window. This ensures that your home office valuables are not easily spotted and marked by spying burglars. 

Shred paper documents you no longer need

Confidential information is as valuable as your office appliances. Criminals can use your confidential information like bank details to commit fraud or steal from you. Imagine what a criminal can do with your personal card information; make online payments and even transfer money from your account. So, make it a habit of shredding all the confidential documents you no longer require. 

Secure home office lock

Just like in commercial security, a good office lock is important. It makes break-ins tough because burglars often aren't prepared to deal with a heavy duty door lock. Moreover, it protects your valuables from being damaged by kids and pets as they play.

Network security

Network security is mainly a commercial security concern. However, if you have a home office that you use to do office work and serious personal businesses, it is important to invest in home security. Cyber-attacks can cost you money and your company’s reputation. So, have a firewall and ensure that the antivirus software is current. 

Back up important files on your computer

Laptops and computers can crash at the most inconvenient time; when you need to submit your report or need to address a customer’s concern. So, make it a tendency to save your important files in cloud platforms or USB drives. Backup ensures that you still have access to your crucial documents in case your computer crashes. 

Install sensors on filing cabinets and office door

Just like home security motion sensors, you can configure the filing cabinet and door sensors to notify you when someone enters your office or opens your cabinet when you are away. Some sensors will offer a time stamp of when the door and cabinets were opened. This can be crucial information in case a police investigation may be needed.

Keep your passwords safe

Your usernames and passwords should be out of reach for outsiders. As such, avoid writing them down on paper or having easy to guess password combinations.

In addition to the above home office security measures, consider installing a wireless security system. They offer 24/7 security monitoring to ensure that your home security supplies and confidential information is protected.