subject: How Much Could Corporate Espionage Cost You? [print this page] In 2009, business-related espionage cost the worlds largest companies more than $45 billion a number which due to technological developments is growing every year. There is a misconception, mostly fuelled by media attention, that large-scale hacking and espionage is the exclusive domain of hacktivist groups and foreign governments. It has led us to believe that this sort of professional espionage is a spectacle solely created in Hollywood movies. In reality, this couldnt be further from the truth.
Any business is at risk
Business espionage and covert operations against industry competitors are widespread across all sectors. From banking, finance and telecommunications to primary industries like grain and meat, many have been affected and everyone is at risk. However, these crimes often go unreported because once discovered, proof of attempted espionage apparently makes a great leverage tool in negotiations you only need to speak with someone from the Australian meat trade!
Dont wait until its too late
Motivations of both parties aside, espionage is often not detected at all until its too late. Rival companies can use a variety of advanced methods, both online and by physically bugging your workplace, home or car, to extract sensitive company information. Once they have that sensitive material at hand, they can use it to adapt their own service offering, influence stock markets and generally undermine the success of your business.
Prevention is better than cure
However, protecting your company from covert operations doesnt have to be a difficult task. A well-trained counter-surveillance professional can sweep for physical and electronic weaknesses, and help you set up an effective plan to keep your companys sensitive information protected.
More frequently, companies are turning to specialised corporate security to keep their secrets safe and secure. Intelligence agencies such as SCIA use breakthrough technology and techniques to monitor, locate, remove and protect. Dont leave it too late to find out how vulnerable your business really is call on the skills of the experts.
