Electronic surveillance countermeasure surveys (also known as electronic sweeps and debugging) are employed to search for, discover and locate illegal listening or visual observation devices. Surveys are conducted using countermeasure equipment manufactured especially for the purpose, together with physical search procedures.
If you suspect that you are being listened to it is important not to discuss the issue or call for assistance from the suspect area. Leave the area/building and make contact by mobile or another telephone. Do not talk to fellow employees about the possibility that there may be a listening device in the area.
Who Is At Risk?
You could become the target of an electronic or other form of intelligence gathering operation if you are dealing with sensitive information, trade secrets, product development, legal problems, negotiations, mergers or take-overs, financial, labour or other disputes.
You could also be considered a target if you are involved in a family dispute or matrimonial break-up, especially where a third party is involved.
Warning signs that could indicate possible surveillance activity.
- Your confidential business or trade secrets are known to competitors
- Your daily movements are known when they shouldn't be
- Secret meetings and bids seem to be less than secret
- Strange sounds or volume changes on your telephone
- Sounds coming from the telephone handset when it is hung up
- The phone often rings and nobody responds or a strange noise or tone is heard
- Your radio or TV suddenly develops strange interference
- You have been the victim of a burglary where nothing was taken
- Electrical wall plates (power sockets) appear to have been moved slightly
- Wall, ceiling or partition dust is noticed on the floor
- Repair technicians show up to do work when no one has called them
- Service or repair vehicles and people are spending an unusual amount of time close your office or home
- Your door locks do not "feel right"
- You receive an unexpected gift that operates from the mains power supply, from an unlikely person or company
Businesses should determine the risk factor by answering the following questions
- Who would benefit from the information in your company?
- What is the value of the information in your company?
- Do you have local or foreign competitors?
- The level of security and countermeasures presently in place?
If the information held by your company is of potential value to your competitors, concerted efforts should be taken to protect it.
