I just heard that the Teacher’s Union in a major metropolitan city has sent a notice of intent to strike to the school district. I won’t comment on that, but it did remind me of a case took on not too long ago when another company needed a Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) specialist and specialized TSCM services.
The Board of a large corporation was intending to meet to discuss a major change for the organization – there was even talk of a change of ownership. The rumors had workers and management nervous and twitchy. The Board knew that if any information they discussed leaked out, it could be disastrous for the current operations and, if they did change ownership, for the valuation of the company.
The Board Chairman called us to perform Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) or more commonly called, a Bug Sweep, of the conference rooms they would be using for the talks. It’s more than just a TSCM sweep in these types of situations.
- The first step is to complete an electronic sweep using counter surveillance equipment the day before to determine if there were any spy listening devices or covert surveillance equipment. If there is anything detected, we would remove it.
- The next step is to actually install a hidden motion-activated camera to detect anyone who would come in to plant a bug after our team departed.
- Lastly, on the day of the meeting participants were not allowed to bring in their cell phones and we waited and watched for any cell phone activity in the immediate area.
Specialized TSCM equipment is needed to detect hidden covert surveillance and audio equipment. As technology changes, so does the equipment needed to undertake technical counter surveillance measures.
Beginning with TSCM sweeps, we eliminated the possibility of any leaks from covert surveillance or audio hijack and listening devices. The only other possibility of a leak was contained to the human element – and TSCM security services can’t prevent that!
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
