For over 35 years, Indianapolis investigator, Tim Wilcox, has been involved in the fascinating world of corporate espionage on an international scale. Drawing on this vast and intriguing experience, he has recently been speaking to Indiana companies about the dangers they face from foreign competition, as well as domestic competitors.

"Having worked all sides in the intelligence-gathering game," states Mr. Wilcox, "I feel it is extremely important that Indiana businesses begin to take the matter of securing their data more seriously." As president of International Investigators, Inc., in Indianapolis, Tim Wilcox has been helping companies around the world defend themselves against underhanded competitive intelligence practices. However, he points out, "There seems to be an attitude of complacency in the Midwestern states, especially in Indiana, which is due primarily to a sense of being insulated within the heart of the country."

Based in Indianapolis, Investigator Wilcox himself admits to sometimes feeling as if most of the real excitement of espionage centers in the cosmopolitan areas like Washington D.C., New York City and Los Angeles. But he is quick to point out that the backbone of US industry lies in the Midwest. "The companies here just do not realize the threat is the same here as anywhere else", he stated. His staff of Indianapolis-based investigators is frequently contracted to perform countermeasures sweeps for some of the larger Midwest corporations, yet the majority of medium to small companies do not really understand the need. "Very few even know what a 'sweep' is", stated Wilcox, referring to what is formally known as Technical Surveillance Countermeasures, or TSCM. A TSCM sweep is a thorough electronic inspection of the data, communications and wiring systems of a facility, as well as a physical inspection.

While a few select Indiana law firms and corporations understand the importance of protection their proprietary information and take measures to safeguard it, International Investigators recommends that many more begin utilizing such means to reduce their vulnerability to competitive intelligence – especially in Indianapolis where the most likely targets are located.