Various whistleblower laws protect employees who "lawfully" disclose confidential information in good faith to bring to light illicit or illegal activity. Generally, therefore, employees do not receive whistleblower protections when they obtain or disclose the information illegally.  A recent U.S. Supreme Court case however, demonstrates an exception to that rule. In Department of Homeland Security v.read more http://www.littler.com/publication-press/publication/supreme-court-continues-advance-broad-view-whistleblower-protections