As a follow-up to a previous post, it’s important to highlight one of the most overlooked risks to sensitive business information: departing employees. If your organization lacks proactive monitoring for at-risk activity, you’re vulnerable, and exiting employees represent the highest risk for data loss.
Research and our direct experience consistently show that over 70% of employees take company data with them when no preventative controls are in place. This includes everything from client lists and proprietary documents to trade secrets and confidential internal communications.
The risk window often begins 2-3 weeks before an employee submits their resignation, or once they suspect their employment may be terminated. Loyalty tends to erode rapidly during this time, and with access still intact, employees may quietly copy, upload, or email sensitive files. In many cases, data theft occurs on the very day of offboarding.
While there are exceptions, this critical risk period spans the final three weeks of employment, right up to the moment access is revoked. The higher the employee’s position within the organization, the greater the potential damage. Senior personnel not only understand the value of proprietary information but often know exactly how, and where, to monetize it.
When asked why executives or high-level employees would risk taking sensitive data despite knowing the consequences, our answer is simple: they know what it’s worth.
Even if their plans to exploit the data don’t succeed, the intent and act of removing it leaves your organization exposed. Once trade secrets leave your controlled environment, you lose the ability to contain or protect them.
About Swailes Computer Forensics
Swailes Computer Forensics provides expert digital forensic services to law firms, corporations, and organizations nationwide. Our work includes investigations into intellectual property theft, employee misconduct, data breaches, and more. With decades of experience and a commitment to integrity and clarity, we help clients uncover critical evidence and take informed action.
If you’re facing a potential case of employee data theft or have concerns about unauthorized activity, contact us for a confidential consultation.