On Thursday afternoon, September 4, 2025, the ICD organized a knowledge circle for member companies at the SKILL building in Drachten, with the theme: preventing corporate espionage.

Corporate espionage: an underestimated risk

Whereas it is often thought that espionage only plays out in a military context, it turns out that it is precisely the economic value of high-tech companies that is a major target. Not only commercial parties, but sometimes also government-related organizations try to obtain sensitive knowledge and information in all kinds of ways.

The threat can arise anywhere:

• at the office,
• home at the laptop,
• or during a business trip.

Even a single moment of inattention can result in the loss of crucial information.

Practical tips & tricks

A variety of situations ranging from digital risks to social manipulation and physical security were discussed during the knowledge circle. In the process, practical tips and tricks were shared to:

• be better prepared for suspicious situations,
• improve information security structurally,
• as well as raise awareness within the organization.

Prevention is better than cure

The meeting gave participants a clear message: awareness is the first step in preventing espionage. By regularly putting this topic on the management team's agenda, companies in the Northern Netherlands can better protect their valuable knowledge and innovative strength.

With knowledge circles like these, the ICD continues to work to build a strong and resilient ecosystem of high-tech companies in the region.