Top 5 types of data that competitors try to steal

In practice, leaks of confidential information in organisations most often occur through the fault of the employees themselves. Violations can be either unintentional — as a result of negligence, insufficient awareness or disregard for Information Security regulations — or deliberate, with selfish or malicious motives. Although the unauthorised transfer of data through carelessness may seem insignificant, such incidents often have serious consequences, ranging from direct financial losses to damage to business reputation.

The greatest danger comes from deliberate leaks related to industrial espionage by competitors. If the fact of compromise becomes public knowledge, an organisation faces the crisis of confidence on the part of customers, investors and business partners. What is particularly critical is that internal information — whether customer databases, strategic initiatives or development data — often has a higher value than a company's physical assets.

According to analytical services, competitors primarily seek access to the most sensitive types of information that can give them a competitive advantage. Based on the analysis of incidents recorded by control measures (in particular, using DLP systems), we can identify the top five categories of data that third-party organisations are most interested in.

According to the results of an analysis conducted by specialists at the Anexet analytical centre (developer of the Anexet Ultimate DLP system), the following information is of greatest interest to competitors:

• customer base and transaction information — 42% of all recorded attempts to obtain information. Data on potential customers and ongoing commercial negotiations are particularly valuable;
  
  

• strategic plans and innovative initiatives — 23% of attempts involve obtaining information about plans to enter new markets, launch new products, and develop new areas of growth;
  
  

• employee Personal Data — 17% of cases are related to interest in working conditions, salary levels and bonus systems. Often, such actions are aimed at poaching key specialists;
  
  

• intellectual property and confidential developments — 11% of incidents are related to attempts to gain access to algorithms under development, program code, engineering documentation, and other critical developments;
  
  

• compromising information (about violations, mistakes, failures) — in 7% of cases, there is interest in internal violations of the law, incidents or internal processes that can be used for the purposes of pressure or blackmail.

Thus, information of interest to external parties covers a wide range of areas, from customer data to engineering designs and personnel information. This confirms the need to implement comprehensive Information Security systems, including DLP solutions, to prevent leaks and respond promptly to potential incidents.