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Technical Experts to Protect and Defend Your Privacy
TSCM America is one of the most respected and trusted technical counter surveillance companies in the United States. Providing services to corporations, government agencies, and select private clients
Questions and Answers About TSCM America
Below are the answers to the most asked questions about our services. Should you have a question that is not addressed below, send us an email. Our customer support department is always ready to assist. We do not address pricing on the website as every project is different and varies from client to client. We welcome the opportunity to provide a quote based upon the scope of the project.
What does Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) mean?
A Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM) sweep is also commonly referred to as an Electronic Bug Sweep or an Electronic Surveillance Sweep. A TSCM Survey and TSCM Inspection is a service provided by trained and qualified TSCM Operators to detect the presence of technical surveillance devices (eavesdropping or spying devices) and other information security hazards and to identify technical and communications security weaknesses such as vunrabilities that could aid in the technical penetration of the surveyed facility.
What is the definition of Technical Counter Surveillance?
Technical counter surveillance refers to measures taken to prevent or disrupt surveillance, including measures to prevent electronic eavesdropping. Counter surveillance may include electronic methods such as TSCM Inspections or Bug Sweeps, the process of detecting surveillance devices, including covert listening devices and visual surveillance devices (video). More often than not, counter surveillance will employ a set of actions (countermeasures) that, when followed, reduce the risk of effective surveillance.
What are some indicators or “warning signs” that you are the subject of spying?
Corporations, law firms, non-profit entities, charities, government agencies, private individuals, no one is immune from spying and must know the warning signs of bugging. The bottom line is, if you discuss information that would be of benefit or value to anyone, be they a business competitor, opponent in a lawsuit or even an adversary then you are a potential target of electronic eavesdropping.
- You recently lost a Bid or a contract that you would normally have an opportunity to win
- You have an unexplained decrease in sales and see many of your clients leaving
- Your company’s business strategies are revealed as well as project ideas
- Your pricing and sales strategy is known by your competitors to allow them to under cut you
- Contract negotiations for labor and contracts are increasingly more difficult to obtain
- Company trade secrets and intellectual property are exposed
If any of the above has occurred, you should consider revisiting your risk management and mitigation protocols and consider scheduling a Technical Surveillance Countermeasure sweep.
Where are you likely to be targeted?
The corporate office, c-suites, conference rooms, boardroom, telephone communications and server rooms, executive homes, vacation homes, off-site meetings, hotels, executive vehicles, conference centers, are examples of areas where confidential information may be discussed and targets for the eavesdropper. To avoid being a target it is recommended to have a stong understanding of corporate eavesdropping detection.
What types of devices will you screen for during the Bug sweep?
There are many types of electronic eavesdropping devices or bugs. During a TSCM Inspection or Bug Sweeps, we will typically search for the following devices:
- Wireless video transmitters
- Laser and infrared eavesdropping devices
- RF, UHF and VHF wireless transmitters
- Wire and microphone taps
- Audio devices of all kinds
- Telephone bugs
- Carrier current devices
- GSM Bugs
- Information vulnerabilities
What are some high threat business situations?
Anyone can be the target of covert eavesdropping and spying however; some companies or organizations are at higher risk than others because of their occupation, financial position or legal situation. A company is most in danger of an electronic eavesdropping attack when:
- Business expansion or reorganization plans are being discussed
- Key executive(s) leave or are planning on leaving the company
- New products, pricing or marketing plans are being developed
- Acquisitions or mergers are being planned
- It is in a sensitive or high profile industry
- Executives or clients are subject to media attention
- There are ongoing labor negotiations, labor problems or union activities
- It is involved in any type of litigation, lawsuit, or other civil action
- It is considering laying off or terminating employees or already in the process of doing so
What happens during a typical TSCM examination?
Our TSCM professionals will conduct a detailed examination of your location in order to:
- Discretely determine the threat to the location
- Detect the presence of technical surveillance devices and hazards
- Identify technical security weaknesses that may allow illegal penetration of your facility
- Provide a professional evaluation of your facility’s technical security position
- During the actual sweep, our team will visit the location of concern and perform a comprehensive visual, physical, and electronic inspection to determine the presence and location of any and all electronic eavesdropping devices. We will also identify other technical weaknesses that may exist in your security posture.
During visual inspections, we look for hidden eavesdropping devices in areas in which they are commonly found.
During physical inspections, we take it a step further, physically and thoroughly examining furniture, outlet covers, ceilings, and other locations commonly housing hidden eavesdropping devices such as microphones, recording devices, transmitters, camera systems, and more. During the electronic inspection we use a variety of sophisticated electronic equipment to identify and locate hostile signals and other signs from eavesdropping equipment that may be secreted in the area. Additionally, we survey AC electrical outlets, telephone cables, computer lines, and other wiring capable of transmitting communication, looking for wiretapping and other intercept devices.
After all TSCM sweeps, we will provide you with a detailed written report of the results of our examination and any recommendations on improving your technical security posture. Should any follow-up measures be needed (e.g. the removal of a recording device), we will work with you to identify the origin of the device and help put measures in place to reduce future risk of attack.
How long does it take for a TSCM sweep to be conducted?
TSCM Sweeps can take anywhere from a few hours, to a few days and in some cases as long as a couple of weeks. It depends on the size of the area or building to be swept, and the amount of electronic and communications present within the concerned area.
Where can bugs be hidden?
Electronic eavesdropping devices can be hidden in any room, device, furnishing or container that would typically be found in an office or home setting. Today’s eavesdropping devices are smaller, more sophisticated, less expensive and easier to hide. Video as well as audio can be captured, recorded or even transmitted live. The good news is that all of these devices are detectable with the right people, equipment and methodology.
What does a Legitimate Bug Sweep Cost?
Electronic eavesdropping detection is a highly specialized and professional field. It requires an array of sophisticated and expensive hardware equipment and specialized software. Additionally, it requires years of practical experience and ongoing training to master the craft and to remain current in the field. It is not a service that can be effectively provided at a discount. The fees for our services are fair and consistent with the skill of our technicians and the value of the comprehensive TSCM sweep that we provide. It is also consistent with the industry pricing for a sweep conducted by a legitimate professional TSCM provider.
Recurring scheduled inspections tend to be more cost effective and offer the best value, as we will establish a baseline friendly RF signal list during the initial TSCM sweep and build on this history during each recurring TSCM sweep. This signal history can then be used during each recurring sweep and will save the technician’s time and therefore the client money. It will also allow for a more effective TSCM sweep.
Ready to Schedule
If this all makes sense and your interested in pricing, please feel free to reach out to our office by calling or email.
866-448-3138
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