Not every threat to your company’s sensitive information comes from obvious bad actors. In fact, some of the most costly data and client losses start with people who seem perfectly loyal, right up until the day they’re not.
It’s surprisingly common for employees to quietly lay the groundwork for a competing venture or a future role with a rival, well before they hand in their resignation. By the time they give notice, your most valuable strategies, client details, and pricing models might already be in their back pocket.
The good news? Subtle digital clues often appear long before they make their move. Knowing what to watch for, and how to respond calmly and professionally, can make all the difference in protecting your business.
Early Signs Someone May Be Preparing to Compete
Not every ambitious employee is plotting to take your clients or trade secrets. But through years of digital investigations, certain patterns show up again and again. Here are a few of the most telling signs:
1. Odd Access to Files
- Employees suddenly digging through folders outside their usual scope, like reviewing confidential product roadmaps or client financials they never needed before.
- Downloading entire directories, not just the handful of documents tied to their projects. These mass downloads are often overlooked in the moment.
2. After-Hours Activity
- Regular logins late at night or on weekends, often coupled with large file movements or exports.
- Reviewing CRM data or sales pipelines at hours that don’t align with their typical work patterns.
3. Use of Personal Clouds or Email
- Logging into personal Gmail or uploading to Dropbox from a company machine.
- Even if they say it’s “just to work from home,” it can leave critical data outside your control.
4. Client Contact That Bypasses Normal Channels
- Setting up lunches or calls with major customers that aren’t documented in your CRM.
- Using personal texting apps to maintain side conversations.
5. Attempts to Clean Up
- Clearing browser history or trying to wipe evidence of downloads. These are common attempts to “disappear” digital traces right before departure.
Why These Clues Matter
Employees planning to compete rarely announce their intentions ahead of time. They might still be outwardly positive, team-oriented, and even helpful in wrapping up projects. That’s what makes these small indicators so critical.
Even subtle shifts in behavior or device usage can become important pieces of a larger digital timeline of evidence if you later need to protect trade secrets or enforce agreements.
How to Protect Your Business Without Overreacting
Most departures are perfectly legitimate. You don’t want to create a culture of distrust. But a few simple, consistent practices can safeguard your company without making employees feel scrutinized.
- Solid Offboarding Processes
- Revoke system access on the last day of employment.
- Retrieve laptops and mobile devices before disabling accounts, preserving them means you’ll have a clear record if questions come up.
- Preserve Devices & Accounts
- Avoid immediately wiping laptops or closing down email. Keeping evidence intact is critical, which is exactly why attorneys often stress getting a forensic expert involved early.
- Quietly Review Logs When Needed
- Look for signs of downloads, off-hours access, or personal cloud uploads in the weeks before notice.
- Document Everything
- Keep clear records of exit interviews, returned devices, and reaffirmed confidentiality obligations.
- Loop in Legal Early
- If you spot concerning patterns, your legal team can guide a fair, well-documented review that respects privacy laws but protects your business.
Some employees only decide to compete after leaving. Others start laying plans months in advance, while still trusted members of your team. By knowing the subtle signs to watch for, you can protect your data, your clients, and your long-term competitive edge, without jumping at shadows.
Most importantly, it ensures that if a friendly face turns out to have bigger plans, you’re ready to respond with confidence, professionalism, and all the facts on your side.
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.