An asset is something (within an environment) that should be protected.
Loss or disclosure
of an asset leads to a security compromise:
- loss of productivity
- reduction in profits
- additional expenditures
- discontinuation of the organization
Examples of assets:
- Systems: IT systems (SAP), Devices (Tablets, Computers, Printers)
- Facilities: Physical locations that are rented or owned
- Personnel: Everyone working for the company
Intellectual Properties (IP)
Are assets that are intangible. (Incapable of being perceived by the senses. )
Examples:
- Brand names (Are sometimes even the most valuable asset of multinational companies)
- Creative output (Publishing companies, movie companies, music artists…)
- Secret recipes / Production techniques (For example KFC and their secret recipe)
Protection of Intellectual Property
Copyright, Trademarks, Patents, Trade Secrets
Copyright
The copyright law guarantees the creator/owner of “original works of authorship” protection against unauthorized duplication of their work.
This includes these categories: