Running a business is an inherently risky venture. However, there are far more risks to businesses today than things like market forces and stiff competition.

Many of these threats can be completely unexpected and can strike at any time. Curbing the danger posed by things like burglars, hackers and malware requires making investments in technology. Below are four high-tech ways you can keep your Business safe.

1. Encryption

One of the most serious threats to businesses today is the threat posed by hackers and cyber criminals. Business data suggests that a 2017 hacking cost the average company $1.3 million. If you want to prevent these kinds of losses, you need to protect your data.

Data encryption converts your data into a code, so that if it is downloaded from an outside source without the proper decryption software, it is appears to simply be strings of meaningless characters. In other words, using encryption software will ensure that if your systems are breached, then all of the information stored in them will be in a form that is completely unusable to criminals.

2. Infrared Cameras

Having a security system is a must for businesses today. If you don’t invest in one for your physical property, the odds of a theft happening increase dramatically. Surveillance cameras are an important part of a good security system, as they can both act as a deterrent and gather valuable evidence for the police in the event of a break-in or other crime. If your business has particularly valuable or sensitive physical assets then you may want to consider something more than your run-of-the-mill cameras.

Specialty companies can provide cameras with a variety of high-tech enhancements, from motion tracking to night vision. If you want to maximize your security, you can even consider investing in Infrared Cameras by companies like the aptly named Infrared Cameras Inc. and similar businesses. An infrared camera can detect and display heat on a surveillance feed, making it pretty much impossible for an intruder to evade detection.

3. Remote Monitoring

Another thing you may not be aware of is that your business’s security system can be “smart” in the same way a smart phone is. One way to do this is by adding a remote monitoring element. This can be done through the use of a Wi-Fi internet connection that allows the video feeds from your surveillance cameras to be viewed from anywhere via a smart phone app. Even if you are overseas on business, you’ll still be able to monitor your store or office.

This goes not only for your physical location, but also for your business computer network. The ability to remotely monitor the activity of your business network increases your odds of catching malicious activity or hacking before any damage is done.

4. Cloud Backup

Not all damage to business data comes from hackers. Random events like accidentally downloaded malware, a bug in a normally functional program can destroy data. Even something as low-tech as a lightning strike can leave a company server completely unusable. If, however, that data is backed up in the cloud instead of only stored locally, it can quickly be retrieved and restored. Since cloud hosted data is not stored at one central location, much of the risk of data loss is avoided.

Businesses these days face a lot of threats. Some of these exist in cyber space, and others exist offline. Whatever the case, be sure to make the investments necessary to protect your company from harm.