US intelligence agencies just reported to Congress that China and Russia have national policies to steal technology from US companies over the Internet. The Congressional report was compiled by the Office of the National Counterintelligence Executive which included this alarming information:
Many companies are unaware when their sensitive data is pilfered, and those that find out are often reluctant to report the loss, fearing potential damage to their reputation with investors, customers and employees.
Unfortunately pinpointing the culprits has been difficult as reported by the NY Times:
Both China and Russia hide behind the anonymity of proxy computers and dispersed routers in third countries to pilfer proprietary corporate information to accelerate their own economic development, according to the new intelligence assessment.
This report should be a wake-up call to US businesses!