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An article by
Peter J Lynch - Lynch Investigations & Countermeasures Pty
Ltd
TSCM – Technical Surveillance Counter Measure
ECM -- Electronic Counter Measure
You may discover that others know your confidential business
information or trade secrets. Confidential information seems
to be getting out to competitors and the competitor seems to
be one step ahead all of the time.
There is a range of people from political & public life,
cheating partners, senior management in competitive
companies, persons engaged in research & development
especially in the IT field, and others who are potential
targets for bugging and other methods of covert
surveillance.
There could be unusual noises, volume changes or drop-outs
with your telephone. There could be suspicious vehicles
parked near your premises for extended periods of time and
on different occasions with or without a person being
visible in the vehicle. All of these might be
indication that there is covert eavesdropping activity
occurring.
There are other indicators of which you should be aware
especially inside premises. Furniture may have been
moved or changed. A repairers or tradesmen might have shown
up to do work yet he hasn't been called. There could be new
paint or unusual texture visible in small areas on walls or
floors in the premises. This can indicate use of conductive
paint where a hidden microphone has been placed.
Unusual and unexplained plaster, dust on the floor or a
discoloration on areas of the wall could indicate ceiling
tiles being removed to plant listening devices or drilling
occurring on the other side of the wall to position a
microphone or miniature camera into a permanent position for
audio or video surveillance.
Sockets or switches may show signs of being disturbed or
socket plate covers have been replaced with a cover that has
a listening device built into it and powered from the mains
power supply. It may be obvious that screws have been
removed from the sockets as pieces of the socket may be
cracked or worn. These indicators need to
be explored.
A modified telephone handset can leave the handset
microphone active and thereby become a bugging device
capable of picking up all conversation in the room. A
telephone transmitter can be connected to the telephone line
quickly and easily or mounted inside the telephone and that
will be undetectable to the untrained eye. A device may be
mounted inside the telephone socket or the junction box or
anywhere along the telephone line. Conversation inside a
room or the other party on the line can be monitored by
someone inside room, outside the premises or anywhere in the
world. Setting up repeater stations or transmission &
listening posts means
eavesdropping has virtually unlimited potential.
A fax transmission can be intercepted by quality telephone
taps. It is always a good idea to be familiar with your fax
hardware and wiring system so you can look out for any
unusually connected devices or wires. A bug can
be installed without entering premises and a wall contact
can be used to monitor conversations through concrete. A
quick visual inspection may reveal something unusual on the
outside wall areas of the building.
If you suspect for some reason that you are a victim of
bugging, you have to decide if you wish to feed the bugger
misinformation so as to gain an advantage within your
business dealings; or you may decide to remove the bugging
device and install permanent counter-surveillance monitoring
equipment.
If you have concerns about being bugged, it's time to seek
professional guidance without delay. The detection of
electronic devices such as listening devices and wiretaps is
complex work. It requires technical, expensive equipment &
knowledge of electronics. An experienced TSCM agent should
also have vast knowledge of security & investigations.
It is advisable to
deal only with a reputable TSCM agent via a secure telephone
line to discuss your concerns about being bugged. It is
advisable not to use a cell phone or to use the telephone
from within the area of concern. Sometimes contact with a
TSCM agent from a public telephone can be a secure way of
making initial contact
with your TSCM agent for further consultation via other
prearranged communication.
You may wish to meet your TSCM agent in a prearranged secure
area for further consultation or arrange another method of
communication from your initial contact. An
experienced TSCM agent will advise you accordingly of their
approach to security in respect of your bugging concerns.
Visit the PJL Online Store for the best priced investigative
equipment.
http://www.pjlinvestigations.com/shopping.html
All the best with detecting warning signs that indicate you
are bugged.
PJL
Web Site:
www.pjlinvestigations.com.au
Disclaimer This information is given as a means of providing
an introduction to TSCM operations. It is not provided with
the intention of giving a comprehensive understanding of the
way in which TSCM investigations occur. Such an
understanding should be based on technical manuals which
relate to TSCM investigation services & on advice of those
qualified to advise on such matters. |
