Security is one aspect of property management that often leaves something to be desired. Many organizations think they have their bases covered, yet there are a variety of factors that are often overlooked, and these factors can have lasting impacts if exploited.
With this in mind, we’ve compiled a list of five frequently overlooked security measures. Here we will examine the risks and offer some advice on how to address said measures.
1. Physical security
The use of traditional lock systems can be a great way to secure your units, buildings, and equipment; but what happens if the key goes missing?
To prevent physical keys from falling into the wrong hands, the use of an electronic key control system like HandyTrac is highly recommended. In addition to safe storage, electronic key control systems offer a variety of features designed to prevent key loss and theft including real time reporting, multi-factor authentication, key anonymization, randomized rotation, and audit trail maintenance.
2. Handling and disposal of paper records
Documents containing sensitive information are often disposed of improperly or left lying around in the office. Although these documents and bits of information may seem insignificant to some, they have the potential to hurt the company if discovered by a skilled criminal.
To ensure that all sensitive documentation is properly handled and disposed of, consider implementing a company-wide policy. Doing so helps to provide a standard for employees and promotes a culture of accountability. A great place to start is a company-wide shredding policy.
3. Network security
Much like your buildings, your network has various access points that must be protected. Effective network security targets a variety of threats and prevents them from accessing sensitive information. To determine the state of your network, consider conducting a network audit. An audit can help to uncover vulnerabilities within your network and improve overall security.
4. Breach Planning
Data breaches can hurt your brand, customer confidence and reputation, so it’s important to establish a breach response plan ahead of time to minimize the damage. To be effective, a data breach response plan should include the following:
– A definition of a breach
– A list of response team members
– The action steps for handling the breach
– A follow-up procedure
Once your plan is in place, educate your employees and test it often to ensure its effectiveness. A little bit of preparation can go a long way!
5. Security education for employees
People have quickly become the largest security vulnerability in any organization. Employees are frequently targeted by hackers through various phishing attempts, and with over 90% of cybersecurity issues originating from human error within an organization, an investment in security education is worthwhile. Not sure where to begin? Here are some training best practices to get you started.
Tasked with the handling and delivery of nearly 188 million pieces of mail each day, 
Without a smart key management system, lost or stolen keys are untraceable. As a result, no suspects or clues were identified in this case, leaving the property management company with eleven compromised locks needing replacement, 
Secure the perimeter
Prior to selecting and implementing an electronic key system, it’s important to review your community or facility’s needs. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
What is Multi-factor Authentication?
Featuring a 7-inch touch screen display, badge and pin access, instant reporting, and bilingual options for English and Spanish speakers.
With fall nearly upon us, we’re looking forward to another fantastic season of trade shows! Visit our booth at one of the shows below for a 
What do I do if my system won’t function? (no power or buttons are nonoperational)
In addition to providing a secure lockbox for community keys, HandyTrac offers numerous useful key management reports. This “paper trail” is critical, not just for protecting your residents and keeping your employees accountable, but also for protecting your company through proven due diligence. Here’s a look at some of the key management reports provided by a HandyTrac key control system: