Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM)

bug-sweepTechnical Surveillance Counter Measures refers to the activity employed to detect, locate and defeat active and passive eavesdropping surveillance devices.

It also detects existing information security and communication weaknesses. Private Eye Security uses a wide variety of specialized electronic countermeasures equipment to provided professional results to our clients. Rates for our TSCM services vary according to a number of fixed and variable factors including the facility size, the number of communication lines and the complexity of the sweep and changing technologies.

Beware of companies offering TSCM services with ineffective equipment and that lack the proper training and experience. These companies usually charge a fraction of the cost of a professional sweep and will provide you with nothing more than a false sense of security. Look for a TSCM specialist who has formal TSCM training, professional TSCM equipment and a broad spectrum of technical experience. Private Eye Security has this extensive training, the proper equipment and through years of experience, we have acquired substantial knowledge of the TSCM profession.

Technical Surveillance Counter Measures is a highly specialized field that requires specialized electronic detection equipment designed exclusively for the detection of surveillance devices. Extensive training and knowledge are required by specialists who perform these TSCM services. These individuals are electronic experts in the detection and location of all types of eavesdropping devices. Private Eye Security has in excess of $200,000 invested in professional TSCM detection equipment. We also have the knowledge, training and expertise to provide professional results to our clients.

Signs that a TSCM inspection is needed

  • Others know your confidential business or professional trade secrets.
  • People appear to know your private activities.
  • You have noticed strange sounds on your telephone.
  • Your phone often rings and no one is there.
  • Your television has developed strange interference.
  • You have been a victim of a burglary and nothing appears to be missing.
  • One of your vendors gave you an electronic device as a gift.
  • You notice small pieces of ceiling tile on the floor by your desk.
  • Service repair personnel show up for work when no one has called for their service.
  • Service or delivery trucks are parked nearby for long periods of time.

Sequence of events for a TSCM inspection

  • Initial meeting to discuss clients concerns and vulnerabilities, a review of facility blueprints and the commissioning of TSCM Services.
  • A threat assessment, including possible parties who would wish to spy on your business.
  • Identification of communication systems, facilities and sensitive areas.
  • A radio frequency spectrum analysis including recognition capabilities for digital, spread spectrum and frequency hopping transmitters.
  • An infrared light search of all appropriate areas.
  • A thermal imaging inspection of the examination area.
  • A carrier current analysis of AC outlets, telephone cable, and other wiring to detect devices capable of transmitting communications.
  • A non-linear junction detector inspection.
  • An inspection for covert video cameras.
  • A telephone system analysis of instruments, incoming trunks lines, in-house cabling and testing for intercept devices such as a phone or wiretap.
  • A physical search of the target area for any type of eavesdropping device.
  • An immediate oral report of the findings and recommendations.

Questions for the Client

  • Why would anyone carry out an electronic eavesdropping attack on you?
  • Who would you suspect of eavesdropping on you?
  • What are your reasons for suspecting that you are being monitored?
  • Where has the confidential information been leaked?
  • Who would benefit from obtaining this sensitive information?
  • What is the real dollar value of the information?