ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with preserving security without losing the benefits of openness and active communicating. It explains the steps to creating stronger information defences using the Operational Security model. The chapter discusses the physical aspects of intelligence countersteps. The chapter explores preserving confidential information through sensible management of paper and electronic documents. Competitive intelligence (CI) countermeasures are largely a mixture of a good general corporate security practice, awareness of the nature of the intelligence threat and common sense. All businesses need to protect their premises from thieves and vandals, as well as fires and other accidental hazards. Relations with suppliers, partners in the distribution channel, corporate allies, professional advisers and public bodies should include a security dimension. Absolute information security is unattainable, but far better standards of protecting corporate secrets can and should be achieved. A high level of security consciousness is nonetheless compatible with openness and a willingness to communicate where the benefits of this outweigh the risks.
