3 Easy-to-Miss Mistakes That Could Get You in Trouble
If your business deals with technical data, defense articles, or military-related services, you’re probably aware of ITAR — the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. It’s the U.S. government’s way of making sure sensitive defense information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands. But being “ITAR-compliant” isn’t just about locking down your files or avoiding exports to foreign countries. You might be violating the law without even realizing it.
Let’s break down three surprising (but common!) ways organizations trip up on ITAR — and how you can avoid them.
1. Sharing ITAR Data with Foreign Nationals — Even Inside the U.S.
It might sound crazy, but simply emailing a drawing to a dual citizen or having a non-U.S. person on a video call where technical specs are shown could be an ITAR violation.
Why? ITAR is based on citizenship, not physical location. That means even if the person is sitting next to you in an American office, if they’re not a U.S. person (as defined by the law), they shouldn’t have access to ITAR-controlled data.
Fix it: Always control access based on who someone is, not just where they are. Double-check citizenship before granting access to sensitive materials.
2. Using the Wrong Cloud Services
You might think your files are safe in the cloud — but not all cloud platforms meet ITAR’s strict requirements. Storing ITAR data in shared folders, using casual cloud tools like Google Drive or Dropbox, or including sensitive content in onboarding materials can create serious risks.
Why? ITAR treats digital storage like physical exports. Uploading a document to the wrong cloud could be like shipping it overseas.
Fix it:
- Only use ITAR-compliant cloud services.
- Scrub training materials and shared files of technical data.
- Treat every file like it could be inspected at customs.
3. ITAR Data on Unprotected Devices
A company laptop without encryption? An engineer accessing blueprints on their personal tablet? These are accidents waiting to happen.
Why? If an unauthorized person gets access to an unprotected device, you could face serious penalties — even if it was stolen or lost.
Fix it:
- Require full disk encryption and endpoint protection.
- Limit access to approved, managed devices only.
- Set up audit logs and remote wipe capabilities in case a device goes missing.
Bottom Line: ITAR Compliance Is More Than Just a Checklist
Staying compliant isn’t just a legal box to check — it’s about building strong habits and safe systems that prevent accidental exposure. If your team is working with ITAR-regulated materials, take a moment to rethink your workflows, cloud use, and device security. One small oversight could result in a big problem.
Better safe than sorry — especially when national security is on the line.
The Brea Networks Cyber Security Compliance Team
