A trade secret can be protected by keeping the information confidential through reasonable measures such as marking it as confidential, limiting access physically and digitally, using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with employees and partners, and creating a company culture that prioritizes secrecy. Legal protections include NDAs, non-compete agreements, and legal action against unauthorized disclosure or use. Physical security (e.g., locked archives, visitor protocols) and cybersecurity (e.g., access controls, secure communication) are also critical. Regular training and review of who needs access, as well as having incident response plans, help maintain protection. Trade secrets last as long as they remain secret and have commercial value.