TSCM [Technical Surveillance and Countermeasures] – Bug Sweep
Technical Surveillance is the legal and illegal placement of an electronic device for the purposes of recording private conversations and theft, and the detection of these devices. These spying devices are more commonly referred to as “Bugs”
Unlike the Military this tends to be mostly commercial and sometimes domestic use, legally deployed by many businesses to detect theft of goods and information by employees or rival companies or domestically cheating partners
Different Devices used in bug sweeps
When carrying out electronic countermeasures bug sweeps, professionals depend on a range of specialised tools to detect and neutralise covert surveillance threats. These devices are designed to uncover hidden transmitters, hardwired listening devices, and unauthorised monitoring systems across various environments. Understanding the difference between radio frequency (RF) detectors and tools for identifying hardwired bugs is essential for effective threat mitigation. Let’s explore the most commonly used equipment in professional bug sweeping operations.
Radio
Radio enabled devices transmit the conversation or film to a nearby receiver via UHF, VHF, MICROWAVE, BLUETOOTH, CELLPHONE [GSM] or GPS [Tracking]
Detection of Radio Bugging Technology
Our very experienced and fully qualified Electronics Engineer will detect these devices using modern ‘State of Art Equipment’ including Laboratory grade ‘Radio Spectrum Analysers”
Military grade handheld Radio Frequency Near Field Scanners. Our engineer has 40 years’ experience in the operation of this technology
A computer based dynamic, full spectrum, radio scanning system is used to intercept the radio signal and demodulate [convert to audio] any suspicious transmissions detected by the Spectrum Analysers. All of this equipment is of the highest grade and specification and requires a high degree of technical skill to operate. Listening devices of the fixed hard-wired type cannot be detected in this way.
Hardwired Bugging Devices
Hardwired devices are similar except they do not utilise radio reception or transmission technology i.e. phone tapping, mini-Recorders with or without remote microphones. These devices are widely available on the high street such as Argos or Currys. These recorders are usually secretly placed within the ceiling of the perpetrator and a remote wired microphone cable run via the ceiling space to the target office i.e. a colleague or possibly a manager or CEO
These devices with the built-in battery and memory can often record for up to a week if sound activated.
Detection is only possible by search and examination of wiring furniture and electrical equipment
A physical search of the target area is crucial and the root of all Counter Surveillance Operations, whether the target is commercial, residential or a vehicle. A physical search may be the only means to uncover certain non-emitting non radio surveillance devices, such as hard-wired microphones with recorders, fibre optic devices, passive resonators and inactive remote controlled “dormant” devices.
To physically search the whole of a building would be extremely time consuming, expensive and disruptive. The perpetrator would for example gain very little by placing an open microphone to listen in on a busy open plan office, a very noisy call centre area or minor employee's desk area. As a very experienced Electronic Surveillance engineers we are aware of course of the limitations of so-called bugging devices. No matter how sophisticated. For it to be effective the listening device is still required to offer its key element, the microphone, to the outside world. Hiding a mic inside a filing cabinet or desk drawer for example would render it almost useless. Where appropriate i.e. specific nominated offices, are ‘fingertip’ searched, for example office furniture, electrical fittings etc searching for the mics and controlling elements i.e. the transmitter batteries or the wiring associated with a hard-wired recording device.
All telephone devices, electrical sockets; light switches, electrical equipment, furnishings, wall coverings, ceilings and floors are very closely inspected. Each telephone set is examined and scanned for radio transmissions and tested for sound activated transmitters. If the base unit or the handset shows any signs of having been dismantled the device is stripped and the internal electronics minutely examined.
Office False Ceilings
False ceilings are a favourite to secret recording devices usually open areas populated by minor employees are very low risk and because of high ambient noise levels a ceiling mounted device for example would be rendered almost useless.
Although these devices are very rarely used, because once discovered the wiring can be traced back to the source i.e. another office, the adjacent building or to a hidden recorder within the cavity itself, [the latter requiring frequent visits by the perpetrator to retrieve tapes and replace batteries etc.]
It is well to be aware of this and where possible high-risk areas are kept secure
The false ceilings in all of the nominated rooms will be thoroughly inspected for hardwired devices.
With our experience we can easily identify strange and suspicious cable run within ceiling cavities i.e. accessories such as junction boxes, lighting ballast and transformers, air conditioning control systems and networking cable runs etc
Tip Always examine desk areas following a visit from a guest in particular boardrooms or managerial offices don’t leave guests alone if possible.
If the visitor excuses themselves to use the toilet DO NOT discuss business, visitors will often leave a briefcase behind i.e. possibly hidden recorders
Vehicle sweeps
We can also sweep your car for covert listening devices / cameras and trackers which are now commonly used by criminals and those wishing to gather intelligence about you.
Successful Conclusion.
At the end of the operation, we can genuinely tell the client that there is nothing there or indeed find out that there was, that is what our clients rely on!
What you say in private is your business, keeping it that way is ours.
Clientele
Our clients of many years range from Law Firms, Blue Chip Companies, Local Authorities, Premier League Football Clubs, Celebrities and Private Individuals, they are not hiding anything illegal but just wish to protect their business or home, especially when important decisions / boards meetings are taking place.
Your privacy is worth protecting, if you have a need for this professional service, please contact us
