TSCM Sweeps, Technical Surveillance Countermeasures

TSCM Sweep Services

International Intelligence Limited carries out Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), or debugging for our clients worldwide. The clients that utilise our TSCM service range from financial corporations and banks, through to international law firms and litigation departments. Being one of the leading TSCM firms in the world, we constantly invest in new countermeasures equipment and keep educated as to the latest technical trends and threats.

What is technical surveillance?

Technical surveillance is conducted via the deployment of an electronic eavesdropping device or hidden camera or by manipulating an in-situ electronic device in order to conduct surveillance. In most cases, technical surveillance breaches privacy laws.

We have written an extensive user guide aimed at potential clients, the guide aims to answer questions that you might have about TSCM Sweeps while also giving you some useful information. See: A guide to TSCM Sweeps.

We work very closely with Security, IT and Facilities Management, we understand your concerns when it comes to eavesdropping and the difficulty of managing the security workforce, some of whom are working from home. We do perform TSCM Sweeps at clients' homes, as well as offices. As part of our Counter Espionage Services, we will also advise on good security practices that will enhance your internal security policies.

An up-to-date equipment list that our TSCM teams use can be found here: TSCM Equipment.

TSCM sweeps are part of our Counter Espionage services and should form part of a company's security housekeeping policy, being carried out at irregular intervals throughout the year.

TSCM sweeps or inspections should be considered by those that are implementing your companies ISO/IEC 27001 policy, IT Manager or Head of Security. Should you wish to discuss ISO 27001, our team would be happy to talk you through the requirements in more detail.

Our TSCM personnel are drawn from Military Intelligence, Telecommunications and Computer Security/Networking backgrounds. These varied backgrounds, coupled with the use of military specification equipment, enable us to locate low cost or military covert listening, or eavesdropping devices, covert cameras and telephone tap/wiretaps.

A TSCM sweep or inspection involves three phases:

Scanning a series of rooms or a space for hidden devices that transmit via a range of frequencies to firstly generate an RF spectrum footprint of the area and then to examine RF spikes to enable them to be identified as safe.

Physical and technical inspection of electrical devices, telecommunications and IT systems are undertaken to search for hidden “hard-wired” microphones and/or covert cameras. The in-depth inspection of telecommunications devices includes each handset and socket, through to internal and external exchange levels.

Walls, floors, ceilings and ducts are all inspected and scanned for any hidden, redundant devices or wiring.

Our TSCM Reports

Our team will compile a full and comprehensive TSCM report on your company's existing security practices and where necessary, make recommendations to enhance your level of security. Any recommendations will be based on workable and cost-effective solutions; these will be discussed with the client upon presentation of the report.

Articles on TSCM and Espionage

International Intelligence Limited and our experts have over the years been asked to take part, comment on or write articles about TSCM and counter espionage. Should you be interested in reading these, they can be found in our Group Media Library: Media Library.

TSCM Training & Education

For clients interested in internal training for senior management or key personnel, our sister company Intelligent Training International Limited provides Counter Espionage courses and lectures to aid as an integral part of your security management.

These Counter Espionage lectures have been delivered for organizations such as Facebook, Formula 1 teams, defense companies, universities, and professional institute events.

Interested in purchasing your own TSCM equipment?

If you have an interest in purchasing your own TSCM equipment for your company or organisation, please feel free to discuss the equipment options with us. For more information, please see: Purchasing TSCM equipment.