Technical surveillance counter measures (also called TSCM) is the art and science of locating potential surveillance threats, such as phone recorders, hidden video cameras, concealed microphones and so called electronic bugs of all types. TSCM is a highly specific skill set that s not generally well known to most investigative professionals. It is for this reason that hiring a TSCM expert might be a difficult and expensive proposition in many instances.
This essay examines the anti-surveillance sector of the detective industry and details the techniques used to thwart spying of all varieties.
What are Technical Surveillance Counter Measures?
TSCM is a very sophisticated sector of private security and professional investigation. It is used to prevent a person or organization from falling victim to advanced electronic competitive intelligence-gathering methods, commonly utilized during spying or litigation.
Electronic surveillance seeks to gather information using manned monitoring or recording of audio and video signals. TSCM tries to seek out potential sources of audio and video eavesdropping and then eliminate them as threats.
Reasons for Using TSCM Tactics
Counter surveillance techniques can be used for many applications:
Governmental TSCM protects local and national security, defense secrets, sensitive blueprints, data and intellectual property.
Business TSCM protects proprietary technologies, intellectual property and trade secrets.
Personal TSCM protects a person’s right to privacy and prevents intelligence from being used against them in a criminal investigation, civil investigation or litigation.
TSCM is performed using high-tech devices, which can readily locate the telltale evidence of most surveillance devices. For more information about the exact techniques used in TSCM, please read our page titled counter surveillance.
Technical Surveillance Counter Measures Services
TSCM is an advanced science of sights and sounds. Experts in bug detection are extremely valuable to anyone, or any organization, which feels like they are being watched or recorded. Surveillance can be a complicated legal issue and many forms of commonly utilized spying are illegal. However, without proof of a crime, it may be impossible to prosecute.
TSCM measures are designed to eliminate intelligence-gathering threats and may even trace back to the offending party enacting the spying methods.
For detailed information about hiring a TSCM expert to bug sweep your home, office or business, contact a qualified private investigator or security consultant. Additionally, many simple and low cost counter surveillance devices can be purchased for individual use at spy gear stores or private investigation equipment providers.