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16 SEEDWORLD.COM JUNE 2015 O FTEN TALKED ABOUT in private conversations and behind closed doors but kept out of the spotlight is the issue of economic espionage the second largest priority for the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation more com- monly known as the FBI. However the whispers surrounding this issue are being heard and the FBI is looking to partner with the seed industry to battle economic espionage. FBI agent Robert Spelbrink explains that economic espio- nage and trade secret theft against U.S. agricultural and biotech- nology companies and institutes are on the rise. Spelbrink says the FBI is working to foster partnerships with businesses academia and think tanks for better intelligence. There are 56 FBI field offices throughout the country and there should be at least one strategic partnership coordinator in each office he says noting that these coordinators can provide a vulnerability self-assessment tool threat awareness briefings brochures and other tools to assist companies. Investigators cannot act if they are not aware of the problem. Stolen trade secrets could lead to lost revenue lost employ- ment a damaged reputation a decrease in investment for research and development and the interruption of production. According to a handout distributed by the FBI companies at risk of economic espionage or theft of trade secrets have a technological edge and employees with access to it a process to manufacture an item at a lower cost than the competition and have been negotiating with another company especially foreign-based. To help combat economic espionage the FBI has a list of best management practices to help protect intellectual property. Spelbrink says company leadership should 1. Assess the companys information security vulnerabilities and fix or mitigate the risks associated with those vulnerabilities. 2. Clearly identify and safeguard critical information or intel- lectual property and mark it accordingly. 3. Not store proprietary information vital to the company on any device that connects to the Internet. 4. Use up-to-date software security tools. Many firewalls stop incoming threats but do not restrict outbound data. Competitive intelligence hackers try to retrieve data stored on the network. 5. Educate employees on spear phishing email tactics. Establish company protocols for reporting and quarantining suspicious emails. 6. Ensure employees are aware of and trained to avoid unin- tended disclosures. 7. Remind employees of security policies on a regular basis through active training and seminars. Use signs and computer banners to reinforce security policies. 8. Document employee education and all other measures you take to protect your intellectual property. 9. Ensure human resource policies that specifically enhance security and company policies are in place. Create clear incen- tives for adhering to company security policies. Thwart Trade Theft In recent years the U.S. seed industry has become a target for individuals andor organizations and governments looking to fast track progress or market share as it relates to agriculture. The FBI says you can help thwart economic espionage and theft of trade secrets. The FBI asks that if you or someone within your company can answer the following questions to please contact the local FBI strategic partnership coordinator or local FBI field office. What information and technology related to the agricultural and biotechnology industries are foreign competitors targeting from U.S. businesses academic and research entities What are technology gaps of foreign competitors Are they lacking research and development manufacturing production or operational capability How do U.S. agricultural companies collaborate with U.S. academic and government research entities What agricultural research at U.S. companies and academic institutes is supported by federal grants What agricultural research at U.S. academic and government entities is considered proprietary How do foreign competitors keep tabs on U.S. research activity and science experts at U.S. companies and academic institutes Which foreign competitors do U.S. companies find most aggressive in pursuing agricultural information and technology What kind of compromise and penetration activities related to theft of sensitive research and commercial business information have U.S. companies experienced during the past years SW The FBI Needs YOU Seed companies play a pivotal role in protecting against theft of trade secrets. Federal agents share a few things you can do to help. Julie Deering WHEREON THE WEB Check out the list of FBI field offices which is available online at www.fbi.govcontact-usfield.