When Employees Leave, Your Security Plan Should Change Too
Staff changes are part of every business. Employees get promoted, shift into new roles, transfer to other departments, and eventually move on. Each of these transitions is a good time to look at who can still get into your building, your systems, and your security settings.
Update Alarm Codes and Access Credentials
When someone leaves or changes roles, review every form of access they had including alarm codes, access control credentials, key cards, fobs, and mobile credentials. Remove or adjust individual credentials right away. If your team shares an alarm code, a departure is a good reason to change it, and a good time to consider individual codes, which give you more control and a clearer record of who comes and goes.
Account for Physical Keys
Electronic access is only half the job. Find out whether the employee had keys to the building, offices, gates, storage rooms, file cabinets, or other secured areas, and collect them before their last day. If a key is missing, it may be worth rekeying the affected locks.
Clean Up Your Emergency Contact List
Former employees often stay on alarm call lists long after they’ve gone. Review your emergency contact and notification list regularly, remove anyone who no longer needs to be called, and confirm that the names and phone numbers you keep are current.
Remove Access to Cameras and Security Apps
If your business uses video surveillance, remote viewing, smart locks, or security apps, make sure former employees can no longer sign in. Pay special attention to managers and anyone with administrator permissions or remote access on a personal phone or computer.
Build Security into Your Exit Checklist
These steps are easier to handle when they’re part of a standard offboarding routine. Alongside returning company equipment and shutting down email and software accounts, your checklist should cover removing security credentials, collecting keys, updating contact lists, and ending remote access. The same thinking applies to internal moves: a person’s access should match their current job, not their old one.
Let Your Security Grow with Your Business
As your staff, facilities, and operations change, your security needs to change with them. Regular reviews help you catch outdated access, stale contact information, and permissions nobody needs anymore. American Alarm can help you evaluate your alarm, access control, video surveillance, and other security systems so they keep pace with how your business works today. If you’ve had recent staffing changes or just want a fresh look at your current setup, contact American Alarm.