Taking Advantage of Technologies Related to Information & Network Protection
In order to prevent and deter unauthorized access and entry into their computer and/or network systems, employers may consider adopting the following cybersecurity measures.
Installing Cybersecurity Protection Software
The detection of suspicious activity and prevention of the introduction of malware includes a range of security functions that can be performed by a wide variety of cybersecurity software. This software can help an employer achieve the following:
- Prevent and flag unauthorized activities aimed to download unencrypted documents-
- Limit the types of information and data that can be transferred outside the employer’s computer systems and/or cybersecurity network by employees-
- Monitor e-mail activity to flag suspicious activity-
- Trigger notifications that pop-up every time an individual accesses the employer’s computer systems and/or cybersecurity network in response to a possible risk to the security of trade secrets of confidential information-and-
- Eliminate, detect, and prevent malware from entering the employer’s computer systems and/or cybersecurity network.
When making a cybersecurity claim, an employer may succeed in convincing a court that by installing and using cybersecurity software on their computer systems and/or network, they took reasonable measures to protect confidential information and trade secrets.
Restricting Internet Use & Using Software to Block Website Access
While it could lead to the loss, theft, and/or damage to trade secrets or confidential information stored within computers and networks, malware could find its way into an employer’s computer systems and/or cybersecurity network when untrustworthy websites are accessed by employees. In response to such risks and as part of the cybersecurity initiatives, employers may adopt policies that aim to educate employees about unacceptable Internet uses and use software that blocks access to untrustworthy and malicious websites to prevent the entry and introduction of malware into computer systems and/or cybersecurity network.
Installing Data Encryption Software
Employers may consider installing encryption software that modifies and converts file, passwords, data, and information into an unreadable form that employers may decode and decrypt using their own decryption software. Unless they have access to high-tech decryption software, it is next to impossible for employees or other unauthorized individuals to open, view, and use files, data, or information that has been encrypted, which underscores the importance of encryption software. Similarly, an employer may convince a court that they took reasonable measures to protect confidential information and trade secrets by installing and using data encryption software on their computer systems and/or cybersecurity network.
Using Cybersecurity Firewalls
Outbound and inbound traffic on an employer’s network can be controlled and/or monitored through a type of software known as a firewall. This means that employers could prevent and deter the access and entry of outsiders into their own network systems and, ultimately, ensure that people outside these computer systems and/or cybersecurity networks have no way of accessing the employer’s confidential information or trade secrets. Importantly, firewalls, among a range of other measures discussed in this blog, may constitute reasonable measures and efforts in ensuring the safety and security of an employer’s confidential information.
We hope that we have enlightened you with key information on how you, as an employer, can make use of and take advantage of technology related to information & network protection to ensure that your confidential information and trade secrets are safe and secure from unauthorized access and eventual theft. In Part VII of this series, we shall move the discussion forward by hammering on “Deterring the Physical Removal of Confidential Information,” which is the third initiative among several “Vital Cybersecurity Initiatives that Employers Should Take” as part of taking reasonable steps in protecting their trade secrets and confidential information.
In the meantime, stay tuned for more legal guidance, training, and education. In the interim, if there are any questions or comments, please let us know at the Contact Us page!
Always rising above the bar,
Isaac T.,
Legal Writer & Author.