got a call from a CEO who was concerned about an upcoming board meeting. The board would be discussing some very confidential matters including the terms of the sale of the company. If news of the sale was leaked, it could damage not only the negotiations, but the financial health of the company and the employees. He wanted to be certain that the conference room was completely secure.
He asked that we complete Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), or as it is often called, a bug sweep. He felt relatively confident that there were no eavesdropping devices or other surveillance equipment in the room, but he had to be absolutely certain.
Usually listening devices are not evident to the casual observer. That’s why counter surveillance equipment is key to a complete TSCM sweep. Electronic bug detection uncovers those spy listening devices that are hidden out of sight.
Once TSCM services are provided and eliminate any spy surveillance equipment, some think the battle is done and won. In reality, the process is only half complete.
The day of the meeting, participants should be asked to relinquish phone, tablets and any other equipment that could record the discussions or provide covert surveillance for the duration of their attendance at the gathering.
The only way to be absolutely certain that all such equipment, including wireless eavesdropping devices, have been secured is to have TSCM equipment in place during the event. The equipment will indicate if there are any electronic recording or spy devices in the area and then the issue can be addressed at that time. Some might be offended if asked to submit to the common security check like they are at the airport. But you do want the same level of security to protect your organization.
Bug detection covers more than just clearing the location, it must also include the participants to be absolutely effective in this sort of situation.
-Brenda McGinley, CEO, All in Investigations, All in Investigations
