Which of the following is NOT a way to preserve the secrecy of a trade secret?

Publicly advertising the secret is not a way to preserve the secrecy of a trade secret because it directly contradicts the fundamental nature of a trade secret, which is to maintain confidentiality. A trade secret derives its value from being unknown to the public and competitors. By advertising or disclosing the trade secret, the owner effectively relinquishes control over the information, allowing others to use it without any legal repercussions.

In contrast, the other methods listed—regulating visitors, using firewalls and encryption, and locking written material—are all protective measures aimed at maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive information. Regulating visitors ensures that only authorized personnel access areas where trade secrets are stored. Firewalls and encryption serve to protect digital information from unauthorized access. Locking written material secures physical copies of sensitive documents from being viewed or taken by unauthorized individuals. Each of these strategies is designed specifically to prevent disclosure and uphold the secrecy essential for protecting trade secrets.