Trade secrets contain some of the most sensitive information about your company and its methods. If this information gets into the wrong hands, it could compromise your entire operation.
Protecting trade secrets requires vigilance and ongoing efforts to fortify and secure them. Your diligence can reduce the risks of valuable information leaking.
Determine what to protect
It will require time and resources to protect confidential information. As such, you will want to carefully select and prioritize the information you wish to protect. While the general definition of a trade secret relates to devices or techniques, there is some flexibility to the term. A close assessment of your organization can help you determine what to protect.
Invest in cybersecurity
Cybersecurity can make a considerable difference in how secure your trade secrets are. According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, some of the things cybersecurity helps with include the following:
- Monitoring downloads
- Mandating password changes
- Requiring multi-factor authentication
- Limiting remote access
- Maintaining computer logs
Each of these protective measures can reduce the likelihood of sensitive information getting in front of a restricted audience.
Monitor accessibility
Make sure you know who has access to trade secrets and why. Limiting access as much as possible can help your company maintain control over information dissemination. If an employee switches roles or leaves the company, immediate action should follow to modify or remove the employee’s accessibility.
Trade secrets could carry the competitive strategy of your company. Protecting this information at all costs can contribute to your organization’s sustainability and success.
