While recently watching a program about the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing, one detail stood out. Back in those early days of space travel, astronauts were quarantined upon returning to Earth, just in case they carried unknown “moon bugs.”
It seems almost amusing now. But it got me thinking about something very real for businesses today: hiring new employees, and the unseen risks they might bring with them.
Not Germs, But Data
Obviously, we don’t keep new hires in an Airstream trailer for 21 days. But what if the real risk isn’t biological at all?
What if, when someone joins your company, they carry in dangerous material in the form of data that doesn’t actually belong to them?
Most of the cases we handle, whether representing plaintiffs or defendants, involve questions about who truly owns certain information and whether it was improperly taken or shared. For the company that just hired the employee who brought this data along, the question becomes: why let this happen?
Why allow a new employee to start costing you money the moment they walk through the door by bringing data from a previous employer?
A Simple Policy Can Save You Later
So why not take preventive steps? For example:
- Make sure your employment agreements clearly state that new hires are not permitted to bring any materials or data they do not own.
- Specify that if they violate this rule, they will be responsible for any resulting legal fees, including yours.
True, most employees could never actually pay for such damages if it came to that. But the policy isn’t about recovering money. It’s about creating a powerful deterrent, prompting new employees to think twice before transferring protected material.
If it’s not their data, they shouldn’t bring it into your business in the first place.
A Little Caution Up Front Pays Off
Companies that establish and enforce these expectations early are almost always better off in the long run. A straightforward policy and a clear conversation on day one can help prevent costly litigation, protect your reputation, and keep your company from inheriting someone else’s problems.
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.