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National Security
Counterterrorism:
Inasmuch as the sphere of terrorism may originate from either domestic or
international based individuals or groups, the Cleveland Division of the FBI
aggressively cooperates with representatives of a variety of organizations, both
public and private. In addition to efforts to detect, deter or respond to
conventional terrorist activities, such as bombings, arsons and hostage
situations, the FBI also has responsibility for addressing matters relating to
weapons of mass destruction, such as chemical, biological or nuclear terrorism
threats.
Foreign Counterintelligence
The FBI's Cleveland Division actively investigates the illegal acquisition,
possession or transfer of sensitive, classified or otherwise proprietary
information by representatives of foreign governments or organizations. In
order to prevent and detect this type of activity, which poses a threat to the
national security of the United States, contact is developed and maintained with
representatives from within both the government and private sectors that are
potential targets of illegal intelligence gathering entities.
Economic Espionage
Have you ever considered how vulnerable your company may be to the theft of
sensitive business information that gives your company a competitive edge?
Because of the hi-tech world we live in today, advances in data
communication and storage have made it possible for your corporate plans or
"crown jewels" to be whisked away on a diskette or transferred via the
Internet with a simple keystroke on the computer next door.
Imagine for a moment how much your competitor would like to gain access to
your Research & Development, or your new product marketing strategy.
The United States is a world leader in the development of creative, technical
and intellectual products. The investment dollars are enormous and if you
are like most corporations, the price tag on such a loss is something you would
prefer not to see.
What you should know is that your sensitive business information could
constitute a "trade secret" under the Economic Espionage Act of
1996. With the signing of this law, Congress underscored the urgency of
enacting a federal law to protect American corporations and industry from
foreign and domestic information collectors. The law recognizes that our
national security greatly hinges on our economic security. One of the
critical elements of the law, requires demonstration that the owner of the trade
secret took "reasonable measures" to protect the property.
Practicing the fundamentals of security and crime prevention is always a
viable course to follow, but there is another threat that is nearly impossible
to guard against. In the vast majority of economic espionage cases
investigated by the FBI "insiders" or employees with displaced loyalty
were involved. Whether in government, private business, or industry the
"insider" with unlimited access poses the gravest threat because of
the potential for irreparable harm and economic loss. No business,
corporation, or organization is immune from such a threat.
Contact the FBI for more information on the Economic Espionage Act and ways
to protect your corporation from trade secrets theft.
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