In the business world, intelligence is information. Intelligence gives a business decision making support and a strategic advantage. Counterintelligence is information that is able to be used to defend something from an opposition or competing entity and the processes and tools used to detect, gather, analyze and apply that information.
While competitive intelligence entails gathering information, counterintelligence deals with protecting information from individuals and organizations, avoiding threats and enhancing security. It not only protects against the illegal gathering of information, but also against collection efforts that can danger a company and affect its competitive ability.
Counterintelligence maintains passive and active elements. Passive counterintelligence seeks to stop or fend off what an opponent may do and includes defensive and preventative countermeasures such as awareness briefings, surveillance measures, defensive programs and penetration testing. Active intelligence, on the other hand, investigates and conducts operations to eradicate any continuing or threatening action.
To stay competitive, organizations must make efforts for the protection of information and counterintelligence. By incorporating counterintelligence in organizational strategy, companies will increase its competitive position in the market.