Jul 2019
What is Corporate Espionage?
When people think of espionage, what generally comes to mind are examples of espionage done by the government. While that is indeed a type of espionage another type of espionage is often overlooked; corporate espionage. But what is corporate espionage exactly? Corporate espionage (also known as industrial espionage) is a form of espionage conducted for commercial gain over a competitor. Believe it or not, espionage is legal to a degree. Rival companies doing web searches on your company, attending public tours of your building, and requesting information at trade shows is perfectly legal. It’s only when it involves trade secrets that have monetary value is it illegal. Espionage can happen to companies of any size from multi-billion dollar corporations like Apple to the local pizza restaurant down the street. Espionage is something all businesses should be aware of.
Types of Industrial Espionage
There are many different types of industrial espionage. Some of the most common forms of espionage include:
- Wiretapping phone lines
- Hacking into computers
- Other cyberattacks such as spreading malware
- Setting up hidden cameras and listening detection devices
A lot of times though espionage may not be as brute. Many forms of espionage can be from informants transferring valuable information from one company to another. These informants can be private investigators, hired spies posing to be employees/interns, or even current/former employees. Former employees are especially dangerous, as rival corporations can hire them and get plenty of trade secrets from them.
It is estimated that espionage costs companies collectively over 1.1 trillion yearly. However, it is likely that this number should be much higher, as many espionage cases are never reported. There are several ways you can reduce your company’s risk of espionage. Some ways include:
- Setting up cameras inside and outside your building
- Restricting USB storage from certain computers and printers
- Blocking people from bringing any device with a camera in certain areas
- Electronic countersurveillance measures such as bug sweeping devices for hidden cameras and microphones
- Educating your employees about espionage and security
The last two bullet points are especially important. Bug sweeping is a big countersurveillance tactic many corporations don’t think of. Bugging is commonplace in industrial espionage. Sweeping for bugs in meeting rooms, offices & even homes of executives should be one of the first things you do whenever you feel your corporation has been compromised. Employees should also be up to date on what is going on with the company and what security measures you have in place as well. Employees in many cases can be your biggest asset when it comes to security.
Protect Your Company From Corporate Espionage
Your company’s secrets are very valuable. Espionage activity has increased over the years due to the abundance of trade secret information. Learn more about preventing corporate espionage by contacting Silent Guardian Security for technical surveillance counter-measures (TSCM) today.
