Preventing cyber theft of trade secrets in SMEs

Protecting trade secrets is critical for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors. Our cyber-theft prevention toolkit is designed to empower SMEs with the resources they need to safeguard valuable trade secrets, with a particular emphasis on high-risk sectors such as energy, biotechnology, transport, defence, and semiconductors.

Whether you’re an IT professional, manager, or team member involved in handling sensitive information, this toolkit is your ultimate guide to strengthening your organisation's defences against cyber theft of trade secrets.

Key challenges SMEs face in securing trade secrets

Despite their importance, many SMEs face common hurdles when protecting trade secrets.

  • IP management: 30% of consider intellectual property management software as 'very important' in combating cyber theft.
  • Policies and procedures: Only 40% of SMEs have formal plans to manage policies and procedures related to trade secret protection.
  • Documentation: Just 26% of SMEs document their trade secrets in an internal registry for tracking and safeguarding.
  • Restricted access: 55% of SMEs dealing with trade secrets have taken steps to limit access to sensitive information from personal devices.
  • Risk perception: 40% of SMEs perceive the risk of trade secret theft as low, indicating a gap in awareness about current cyber-attack trends.
  • Requirements: Many SMEs report a lack of clear national guidance on essential cybersecurity requirements for protecting trade secrets.

What's in the cyber-theft prevention toolkit

  • Comprehensive business guide: A step-by-step guide outlining best practices for SMEs to secure trade secrets, and raise awareness of cyber theft risks.
  • Practical tools: Three interactive tools providing insights into the motivations of cyber criminals, the potential impact of cyber theft, and various cybersecurity attack methods.
  • Role-playing scenarios: Experience cybersecurity from the perspective of both an employee and a hacker as you navigate realistic, sector-specific scenarios.
  • Training courses: Enhance your cybersecurity knowledge through targeted training designed to equip you and your team with the skills to recognize and prevent cyber threats.

Commission Recommendation on measures to combat counterfeiting and enhance the enforcement of intellectual property rights

Sursa
European Commission
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