A Technical Surveillance Countermeasure (TSCM), also known as a “bug” sweep or electronic surveillance sweep, is a highly-specialized service that detects the presence of eavesdropping devices such as hidden microphones or “bugs.” The goal of a Technical Surveillance Countermeasure is to identify existing security breaches and/or potential weaknesses in technical and communications security and to recommend corrective action to neutralize the risks.
MSA Investigations is one of the nation’s leading and most reliable providers of professional TSCM sweeps. Our clients include financial institutions, major corporations, law firms, and governmental and non-profit entities. We offer a range of TCSM services including:
Electronic eavesdropping detection
Anti-surveillance services
Wiretap and covert camera detection
Communications security (COMSEC)
Technical security
MSA’s team of qualified, expert TSCM technicians are among the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the world. They have performed hundreds of sweeps for a range of prestigious clients nationwide. Nobody has more experience, or better-equipped to conduct your Technical Surveillance Countermeasures.
Our dedicated TSCM technicians have been extensively trained, with certified instruction on the latest state-of-the-art TSCM equipment. To keep them on the cutting edge, our TSCM team routinely attend periodic refresher courses and workshops to maintain an updated working knowledge of the ever-changing countermeasures technology field. A special attention is paid to the new, more sophisticated breed of digital eavesdropping devices.
MSA Investigations utilizes a wide array of the finest, most high-tech TSCM equipment available. We continually evaluate new equipment and software as it hits the market to maintain our technical edge. Our equipment is a major reason why we consistently provide our clients with the highest level of service.
Learn more about TSCM inspection equipment
MSA places the highest premium on our client’s privacy. Due to the sensitive nature of electronic surveillance and eavesdropping, we ensure that your information will always remain confidential. Our goal is to assist clients maintain the integrity of their work environment against the threat of electronic eavesdropping.
A Technical Surveillance Countermeasure, also known as a “bug” sweep or electronic surveillance sweep, is a highly-specialized service that detects the presence of eavesdropping devices such as hidden microphones or “bugs.” The goal of a Technical Surveillance Countermeasure is to identify existing security breaches and/or potential weaknesses in technical and communications security and to recommend corrective action to neutralize the risks.
Counter surveillance refers to measures taken to prevent or disrupt surveillance, including electronic eavesdropping. Counter surveillance may include electronic methods such as TSCM “bug” sweeping, the process of detecting electronic devices, covert listening devices and visual surveillance devices (video). More often than not, counter surveillance will employ a set of actions (countermeasures) designed to hamper effective surveillance.
Nobody is immune from spying. Companies, law firms, non-profit entities and charities, governments, private individuals—it happens everywhere. If a party discusses valuable information that’s of benefit to anyone, e.g., business competitors, opponents in a lawsuit, or some other adversary, they are a potential target.
You recently lost a Bid or Request For Proposal that you would normally win
You have an unexplained decrease in new sales
Your business strategies are revealed
Your pricing and sales strategy is leaked to your competitors
Contract negotiations for labor and contracts become increasingly more difficult
Company trade secrets are exposed
If any of the above has occurred, you should consider revisiting your risk management protocols and schedule a MSA Technical Surveillance Countermeasure sweep from MSA Investigations.
Anyone can be the target of covert eavesdropping and spying, but some are at higher risk due to the nature of their occupation, financial position or legal situation. We’ve found that companies are in most danger when:
Business expansion or reorganization plans are being discussed
Key executive(s) leave or are leaving
New products, pricing or marketing plans are being developed
Acquisitions or mergers are being planned
Work occurs in a sensitive or high-profile industry
Executives or clients are subject to media attention
There are ongoing labor negotiations, labor problems or union activity
Any type of litigation, lawsuit, or other civil action is involved
Impending layoffs or termination of employees
The Company boardroom, telephone system, mobile phones, fax machines, and computers are examples confidential information sources that may be targets for the eavesdropper. Also, eavesdropping is not always confined to the office. Executives and other key personnel can be targets at home or cars.
Any area in which important, valuable information would be openly discussed—in person or phone—which has not been secured. Examples we’ve seen include:
Business offices, including conference rooms, boardrooms and trading floors
Private residences
Executive residences
Corporate apartments
Vehicles (cars, aircraft, boats)
Mobile phones
Home phones (landlines)
Quarterly board meetings
Off-site business meetings
There are many types of electronic eavesdropping devices or bugs. During an MSA Investigations TSCM sweep, we will typically search for the following devices:
Micro wireless video devices
Laser and infrared eavesdropping devices
Wire and microphone taps
Telephone taps
Carrier current devices
Electronic eavesdropping devices (bugs) 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 than they have ever been. Video bugs have also grown in popularity, which can record or even transmit events live. The good news is that all of these devices are detectable with the right people, equipment and methodology.
Pre-sweep, our TSCM professionals will conduct a detailed examination of your location in order to:
Discretely determine threats 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 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, thoroughly examining furniture, outlet covers, ceilings, and other locations common for eavesdropping devices such as microphones, recording devices, transmitters, and camera systems.
Our electronic inspection leverages a variety of sophisticated equipment to identify and locate hostile signals and other telltale signs of eavesdropping equipment. Additionally, we survey AC electrical outlets, telephone cables, computer lines, and other wiring capable of transmitting communication, looking for wiretaps and other intercept devices.
After all TSCM sweeps, we provide a detailed written report of the results, and any recommendations for improving your technical security posture.