In the corporate world, there are crimes that make no noise but hit hard. One of them is the discovery and disclosure of trade secrets — an offense that often originates internally and whose impact goes far beyond the economic: it affects reputation, competitive advantage, and in many cases, the very viability of the business.
Disclosure and exposure of trade secrets: When internal trust becomes an external threat
What is the crime of discovery and disclosure of trade secrets?
It is an economic crime defined in many legal systems, punishing those who, without authorization, access, disclose, or transfer confidential business information. This includes:
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Customer lists
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Business strategies
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Product prototypes
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Source code
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Internal databases
The leak can come from various sources: a disgruntled employee, a former worker seeking revenge, or even an external vendor with access to internal systems. In most cases, the crime is committed by taking advantage of a failure in the company’s internal controls.
Real Cases: When the Competition Becomes an Ally to Crime
A recent study by the Ponemon Institute revealed that 60% of insiders who steal information do so within the last 30 days before leaving the company. This is the “hot moment,” when oversight weakens and opportunities increase.
In Latin America, there are numerous legal cases where former employees have leaked documents to direct competitors. The motivation can range from revenge to simply seeking an “advantage” in a new company. But for the affected organization, the damage is tangible: loss of contracts, client attrition, and reputational harm.
What Can Compliance Do in the Face of These Risks?
This is where a solid compliance program truly proves its value. These are some of the key tools that a preventive approach should include:
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Clear confidentiality protocols, signed and regularly reinforced.
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An information leakage risk matrix to identify critical areas.
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Regular internal audits of system access and suspicious activity.
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Ongoing training on ethics and responsible use of information.
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Secure offboarding procedures to ensure access and device removal.
Cumplo360 offers a comprehensive compliance platform that enables organizations to map internal risks, document and automate processes, and maintain traceability of every critical interaction.
With dedicated modules for document management, risk matrix, training, and compliance alerts, this platform not only supports crime prevention but also strengthens internal trust as the best external shield.
The protection of business secrets can no longer rely solely on good faith or the fear of legal sanctions. In an increasingly dynamic and digital environment, well-implemented compliance is the first line of defense. And like any effective defense, it must be constant, proactive, and cross-functional. Discover how Cumplo360 can help you design a solid, automated compliance strategy tailored to your reality.
Conclusion
The protection of business secrets can no longer rely solely on good faith or the fear of legal sanctions. In an increasingly dynamic and digital environment, well-implemented compliance is the first line of defense. And like any effective defense, it must be constant, proactive, and cross-functional.
Discover how Cumplo360 can help you design a solid, automated compliance strategy tailored to your organization’s reality.
Compliance is an investment in legality, transparency, and economic prosperity.
Meet your due diligence obligations easily and comprehensively. Cumplo360 is the leading compliance platform across Latin America.
