Top Seven Ways to Combat Corporate Espionage

The words "corporate espionage" sound menacing, don't they? Many corporations make the mistake of thinking that this isn't an issue, when in fact there are plenty of unscrupulous individuals and businesses out there who just want to make a buck. Sometimes, hijacking the information and secrets of other corporations is the best way to do this, which is why your corporation should be set up to effectively combat corporate espionage. Essentially, corporate espionage refers to the illegal practice of data collection by any means necessary, including Dumpster diving, theft and personnel impersonations.

Corporate espionage is a sufficiently serious threat to spur some of the nation's major publications into action. Such newspapers as USA Today, the San Fransisco Chronicle, the Houston Chronicle and the New York Times have all run stories about corporate and industrial espionage and the ways in which corporations can protect trade secrets and customer information.

Explain Security Policies to Employees

It isn't enough to simply write your security policies and procedures in the employee handbook. Most of your staff probably uses that book to fix uneven desks and to protect their office furniture from potted plant leaks. Instead, you will need to get your employees actively involved in the fight against corporate espionage. Explain the risks involved and the potential consequences, which can include downsizing due to loss of revenue. Give training classes and seminars on security procedures and insist that everyone follow them.

Implement a Floor Marshall Program