The Top 10 Tactics Insiders Use to Steal Intellectual Property

It's not just tech companies that are at risk.

Welcome to the first paid post of The Spy Hunter!

For the past four years, I’ve been working on a PhD dissertation that analyzes the geopolitical impact of Chinese economic espionage in South Korea and the United States. Now, I’m excited to start sharing what I’ve learned with a broader audience through paid posts here on The Spy Hunter.

Throughout my research, I’ve sifted through reams of data and countless academic papers. Much of this information is buried in jargon-heavy language that often feels disconnected from the real world. Let’s be honest—many academic articles are long, dense, and dull.

That’s where these paid posts come in. My goal is to take the knowledge I’ve gained and make it accessible and, most importantly, actionable for business leaders, government officials, consultants, and anyone interested in technology, espionage, geopolitics, and business.

The posts will also build on my work from The Spy Hunter over the past year and a half. Since April 2023, the newsletter has tracked every development in state-sponsored industrial espionage and economic security in the Indo-Pacific, but the current format of the newsletter doesn’t allow for the in-depth exploration these topics deserve.

In each paid post, you can expect practical resources, expert analysis, and actionable tips. I’ll draw from my research, conversations with industry insiders, and the latest insights from experts and policymakers. Some posts will focus on big-picture trends, while others will dive into current events or specific issues.

If this sounds intriguing, I invite you to become a paid subscriber. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy what’s to come!

Top 10 Tactics Insiders Use to Steal Intellectual Property…

and what you can do to stop them.

Intellectual property (IP) is the cornerstone of any innovative company. Yet, the biggest threat to these assets are often not cybercriminals lurking in the shadows of the internet, but the people you work with every day.

Rogue company insiders usually aren’t random employees; they’re those who know the systems inside out, understand the vulnerabilities, and have pinpointed the exact data that’s worth stealing. And this isn’t just a tech industry issue. Whether you’re in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, or even agriculture, insider IP theft is a constant and growing concern.

Warning signs are often subtle but telling. An employee might suddenly take a lot of overseas trips or have unexplained absences from work. Maybe you notice a sudden spike in their spending habits, or perhaps they’re exhibiting unusual behavior, like staying late at the office long after everyone else has gone home.

These red flags could be early indicators of something more sinister. And according to the evidence, employees who have recently tendered their resignation or have faced personal or professional setbacks are more likely to engage in some kind of trade secret misappropriation.

Based on my research, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 tactics insiders use to steal intellectual property, and what you can do to protect your business.

Let’s get started…