Who Has Your Key? Physical Access Risks for Small Businesses
- CYBERRISKED℠
- Apr 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 27
When you think about cybersecurity, it's easy to picture hackers and passwords — but what about the keys to your front or back door? For many small businesses, physical access is the first line of defense — and too often, it’s left wide open.
The Hidden Risk of Keys and Locks
Traditional locks and keys are still the most common way small businesses manage access. But what happens when a trusted employee leaves? Or when a key is lost, copied, or handed off without your knowledge?
Without strong access controls, businesses risk:
Unauthorized after-hours entry
Lost or untracked keys
Operational blind spots with no clear record of who entered or exited
Managing physical access isn't about mistrust — it's about making sure that small risks stay small, before they turn into big problems.
Modern Solutions That Help
The good news? Business owners now have affordable ways to take control of physical access without turning the shop into a fortress.
Smart locks: Grant and revoke digital keys from your phone. No need for rekeying.
Keypad locks: Assign codes to employees — and change them anytime.
Access logs: Track who opened or closed the business, and when.
Auto-lock features: Set your doors to automatically lock after hours to reduce human error.
Even simple upgrades can dramatically reduce risk — and give business owners more peace of mind.
Simple Questions to Ask Yourself
Who currently has a key (or code) to my business?
How quickly could I revoke access if needed?
Am I relying on trust alone — or do I have real controls in place?
Just like cybersecurity, physical access needs practical protections, not just good intentions.
First 3 Steps to Stronger Physical Access Control
Conduct a Quick Access Audit
Make a simple list of who currently has access to your business — keys, codes, fobs — and review if each person still needs it. (You can't control what you don't track.)
Update Access Points
If you use a keypad, rotate the code. If you're using physical keys, schedule a rekeying, or start planning for a smart lock upgrade to gain more control moving forward. (One small change now can prevent major headaches later.)
Establish a Closing Security Habit
Create a short daily checklist for whoever locks up — including double-checking doors and setting alarms if available. (Consistency reduces risk more than technology alone.)
Our Final Thought
Protecting your business starts at the front door and the back door. Good locks and smart access policies can help keep your people, your assets, and your peace of mind safe.
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