The FBI estimates that each year, intellectual property (IP) theft costs organizations between $225 billion and $600 billion. Given these numbers, it comes as no surprise that IP theft is a growing concern. Large firms, including tech giants like Apple, Tesla and Google aren’t immune from IP theft. Even with advanced security measures, valuable data still finds its way out the door – underscoring the vulnerability of even the most secure organizations.
Cellebrite recently hosted a webinar with Andy Jacobs, Solutions Engineer at Cellebrite Enterprise Solutions, and Jared Barnhart, Head of CX Strategy and Customer Advocacy at Cellebrite, to talk about the role of digital forensics within IP theft investigations.
The Ease of Data Capture
One of the reasons IP theft is so prevalent is the ease with which data can be captured and transferred. With the advent of cloud syncing and fast data transfer methods, everyone is susceptible to data theft. A company can suddenly find its proprietary technology in the hands of a competitor, simply because an employee transferred sensitive information.
Recent incidents, such as the DeepSeek case, have shown how quickly the AI landscape can change when intellectual property is used by unauthorized parties. This rapid pace of technological advancement and data transfer makes it crucial for companies to stay ahead of the game in terms of security measures.
The Broad Scope of Intellectual Property Theft
IP theft spans various industries, from technology and software to oil and gas, entertainment and sales. Oil and gas companies frequently face litigation over stolen maps and designs. Similarly, the entertainment industry deals with leaked scripts that can significantly impact the success of a movie or show.
Sales teams are also at risk, with individuals taking snapshots of CRM data and soliciting old clients after moving to a competitor. This kind of data exfiltration happens across all industries, highlighting the universal nature of the threat.
The Role of Computer Forensics
Despite advancements in technology, computer forensics play a crucial role in these types of investigations since the fundamental concepts remain relatively unchanged. Investigators rely on various artifacts, such as USB history, shell bags and registry keys to uncover evidence of data theft.
Cloud repositories have made it easier for individuals to sync data back and forth, but they also provide valuable audit logs and IP addresses that can be used in litigation. Preservation of data is key, and investigators often perform full disk images to ensure they capture all relevant information.
The Impact of Mobile Devices
Mobile devices have also become a significant focus. With 91 percent of Americans owning a smartphone and spending nearly five hours per day on these devices, mobile phones have become integral to nearly every aspect of our lives. From instant messaging and email communications to photos and health tracking, smartphones store an ever-growing range of personal and professional information. This vast digital footprint now represents a detailed record of our daily activities, behaviors, interactions, and decisions. With frequent updates to operating systems and apps, the landscape of mobile forensics is constantly evolving. Investigators must stay up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques to effectively analyze mobile data.
Apps like Signal and Snapchat are commonly used for transferring sensitive information, and since these apps offer encryption and secure messaging, it can be challenging for investigators to access the data without the proper encryption keys. However, with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to uncover valuable evidence, even deleted data.
The Importance of Preservation
In the end, it all comes down to data preservation – it is essential. As soon as an individual leaves a company, it is crucial to preserve their data for at least a month or two to monitor their activities. This proactive approach can help identify any suspicious behavior and prevent further data exfiltration.
Intellectual property theft is a serious issue that affects companies across all industries. The ease of data capture and transfer, combined with the broad scope of theft, makes it a challenging problem to address.
However, with the right collection tools and techniques, like Inseyets for Enterprise and Endpoint Inspector, it is possible to investigate and mitigate its impact to ensure your company is prepared to handle any investigation. By staying ahead of the game and prioritizing data preservation, companies can protect their valuable intellectual property and maintain their competitive edge in the market.
