As a technology leader, your company’s intellectual property (IP) — your source code, your data, your proprietary algorithms — is your most valuable asset. Moving to a remote or distributed workforce introduces new security challenges.
The concern is rational: how do you maintain control and protect your IP when your team isn’t under one roof? The answer isn’t avoiding remote talent. It’s building a robust security framework based on legal agreements, technical safeguards, and, most importantly, trust.
The legal framework: your first line of defense
Strong legal agreements form the foundation of your IP protection strategy:
- Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs): Clearly define what constitutes"confidential information."
- Invention assignment agreements: Explicitly state that all work and code created are the exclusive property of your company.
- Jurisdiction and enforcement: Ensure agreements are enforceable in the engineer’s home country.
Howdy.com streamlines this process under U.S. law, embedding strong IP protections in all client and engineer contracts.
Technical controls: building a digital fortress
Legal agreements are necessary but not enough. Technical safeguards must control access and track activity:
- Principle of least privilege: Give engineers access only to the systems they need.
- Virtual private networks (VPNs): Require all system access through secure, encrypted connections.
- Device management: Use MDM tools to enforce encryption, strong passwords, and security policies.
- Access logging and monitoring: Keep detailed logs and audit regularly for unusual activity.
The human firewall: your most critical layer
Scams, fraud, and IP theft are real risks. Vetting is your strongest security control. Resumes and LinkedIn profiles aren’t enough.
Howdy.com’s vetting protocol ensures trust before an engineer ever touches your code:
- Identity and background verification to confirm candidates are who they say they are.
- Professional reputation checks to validate work history and credibility.
- Soft skills and integrity assessments to ensure professionalism and respect for IP.
Conclusion
Protecting your IP in a remote world requires legal clarity, strong technical controls, and above all, a trustworthy team. Howdy.com’s"human firewall" vetting process ensures the engineers you hire are both world-class and trustworthy stewards of your most valuable assets.