Protect sensitive data with nondisclosure agreement

by Dana Norton | Apr 26, 2002 7:00:00 AM

Tags: Dana Norton

Takeaway: Nondisclosure agreements are a good way to keep proprietary information inside your company. Download these NDAs as a guide to developing your own agreement for use with vendors and consultants.

Your organization’s proprietary information is at risk when you contract with external consultants, vendors, or contractors who have access to this type of data. IT managers can help guard that information by making sure that these third parties sign nondisclosure agreements (NDAs).

An NDA identifies the internal information that these third parties are prohibited from sharing with others. For example, a software manufacturer can use an NDA to protect new software designs from contractors who have ties to rival manufacturers. Likewise, a retail company installing a customer relationship management (CRM) application can use an NDA signed by a consultant to list customer information that is protected.

To streamline your NDA development efforts, TechRepublic has compiled a download that includes two examples of NDAs sent in by TechRepublic members. You can modify the examples to hammer out an NDA to protect your company's data.

Remember that NDAs are usually considered legal documents that bind a third party to its provisions. For this reason, it is wise to ask your attorney to review your NDA before presenting it to a third party.

Also, be aware that a third party may not agree with every stipulation in an NDA. Your attorney may need to make changes to your NDA before a third party will sign it.

NDAs are an effective way to secure your organization’s proprietary information and intellectual property. Download the examples today to get started developing an NDA for your organization.

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Preventative maintenance and cost-saving tips
An NDA can be viewed as a way to save your organization money. In other words, a little work protecting data in the beginning can help control costs later. We want to know what other cost-saving strategies you use in your organization. Drop us a line and tell us.

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