Trade Secret Risks Lurk, Even in Baby Monitors, During Telework

Companies face an increased threat of trade secret theft as the coronavirus pandemic keeps more employees at home and drives layoffs.

More than 26 million Americans have lost their jobs, and further cuts could be coming. Employees uneasy about their own job security may be more willing to take trade secrets—which can be anything from recipes to computer software code—during a widespread shift to telework that can leave information less protected, attorneys and security analysts say.

Companies also face risks as they move quickly to collaborate with unfamiliar partners to make items in high demand—like medical equipment and protective gear ...