Taking Ownership Of A Business? What To Do Right Away

If you're buying a small business and the old owner is working until the end of the week, there are some changes you want to make as soon as they walk out the door. You want to be sure that the old owner doesn't have access to the property or business files as soon as they are gone. The building has to be protected, along with the computer systems and business files. Here are a few of the things that you want to consider.

A Locksmith

Have a locksmith like those at ND Security Company come through the building to change all the locks, so you know the old owner doesn't have any keys, and to update the current security system. This ensures the old owner doesn't know anything about the new system and the codes. The locksmith can also tell you where your business is at risk and what you need to change for better protection. Outdoor and indoor security updates may be the best option to help you feel everything is secure.

Network Security Protection

Since the old owner was on the computers and the network throughout the building, hire a network security consultant to help wipe the computer that they used and to make sure that files weren't removed from the computers. They can monitor the server to make sure no one tries to get in at a later date, and they can update your server security to protect against hackers and identity thieves.

Bank and Accountant Transfer

Consider using a different bank than the one that the previous owner used. If you decide to use the same bank, you may want to have someone new assigned to your account who doesn't have any past affiliation with your business or the old owner. You also want to have all the account numbers changed, have the credit or debit cards cancelled, and you want all of the accounts to be new. This way, no one has any information about your accounts. This goes for all accounts you have with local retailers or restaurants as well.

You want to assume that you can trust the old owner of the business to be respectful when they are gone, but you never know what information they have or who may take information from them when they aren't the owner anymore. Protect your business and yourself by consulting with the right professionals and making the above listed changes to ensure the business is safe.