How Companies Can Protect Sensitive Business Secrets and Information

[This article was written by Meghan Belnap.]

One of the most dangerous attacks on a business is a breach of sensitive company information. When the secrets a company is trying to keep secure are leaked, this can compromise a company in extremely detrimental ways. It can make it possible for other businesses to jump on secret strategies, push the compromised company’s product ideas to market and also profit from this tactic. Here are some ways a company can protect sensitive information from being leaked.

Encryption

When it comes to sensitive company information and trade secrets, it is best to keep all this kind of information encrypted. The idea behind encryption is to help ensure that even if someone gets their hands on a company’s secrets, they will not be able to easily understand what meaning the information is supposed to convey. The trick is to utilize encryption methods that are not standard forms which will not be easily cracked.

Passwords and Permissions

If a company is storing sensitive data on its servers, it is critical to restrict access to only those individuals who should have it. This can be done by using a sophisticated program that requires passwords and assigns levels of security permissions to data stored on the company servers. This way, even if a person manages to gain access to a company members password, this will not necessarily give the hacker easy access to sensitive data which may also require a higher clearance level to gain access to such information.

The Noncompete Clause

One way to hold employees legally obligated to keep company secrets completely secret is to make employees sign a noncompete clause. Violating a signed noncompete clause can open an employee, as well as a former employee, up to hefty lawsuits. However, before a company pursues legal action against an employee on these grounds, they will want to have a non-compete contract investigator look into the matter to ensure that a violation of the noncompete clause has actually taken place.

Hardware Storage

Instead of keeping sensitive company information readily accessible on the company server, it is also possible to store sensitive information on remote hardware storage devices. These hardware storage devices should only be accessible when needed, not all the time. This way a hacker or an insider has less of a chance to obtain and leak sensitive company information.

By taking the above precautions, a company can do a lot to keep sensitive company information and trade secrets safe. When a company’s sensitive information is secure, this makes it possible for that company to engage the market via the element of surprise without any other company knowing what is about to happen. This will inevitably give that business an edge over the competition that will force the competition to scramble to become competitive again.

Author Bio:

Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.