For today's tech companies, protecting intellectual property, sensitive information and electronics have become increasingly difficult as threats from hackers, identity thieves, corporate spies and freight hijackers become more sophisticated. In response, tech companies have poured millions of dollars into beefing up IT security at their firms1. However, a short- sighted focus on high tech security solutions can leave tech companies even more vulnerable. Only by hiring well-trained, professional security officers can tech firms achieve true security.
Threats to Intellectual Property
One of a tech company's most valuable assets is its intellectual property, an attractive target for hackers, ratings-driven tech publications and corporate competitors.
That's why IT departments industrywide spend countless hours and millions of dollars thwarting digital attackers.They set up and utilize firewalls, anti-ping devices, data encryption systems, complex passwords and virus protection software. Often though, thieves don't gain illicit access by breaking through a firewall or implanting a Trojan horse virus. They come right in through the front door.The following facts illustrate the seriousness of the problem:
- According to the U.S. Commerce Department, intellectual property theft is estimated to top $250 billion annually.
- In 2008, former San Jose computer network administrator Andrew Madrid posed as a security guard and IT employee to gain access to several Silicon Valley companies, stealing computer3 and IT equipment.
- The chief of operations at First Base Technologies, an ethical hacking firm, posed as a visitor to gain access to a tech client's computers. He was able to obtain a voice mail guide with default passwords, information about spending on advertising, bank statements, a staff directory and information about corporate strategy.
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