What are the electronic sweeps or TSCM?

Electronic sweeps or TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures) are the techniques and measures used to detect and neutralize technologies used by malicious agents to illegally gain access to confidential information within an organization’s own facilities. Using specialized equipment, workspaces are physically inspected to check for industrial espionage devices, such as unauthorized recording equipment, transmitters, hidden cameras, hidden microphones, and so on.

Key information is not only stored in computers

The protection of intellectual property and data confidentiality is crucial for the growth of any company, as well as for its competitiveness in markets that are increasingly demanding in terms of innovation and differentiation.

The action of obtaining confidential information without authorization for commercial or economic purposes is called industrial espionage. Unlike other forms of data theft that are carried out remotely by means of hacking techniques, this type of criminal act is carried out in the physical facilities where the information targeted by the attack is located. It is carried out using sophisticated electronic means, the detection of which requires experienced professionals and technological equipment such as those described later in this article.

In the event of any data leakage through this type of espionage, the consequences can be catastrophic for the entity that has suffered it (loss of competitive advantage, reputational damage, legal implications, financial losses, etc.).

Electronic sweeps or TSCM against industrial espionage

A recent study indicates that global TSCM-related activity accounted for a volume of activity valued at more than $157 million in 2023. The growing demand for these services predicts that by 2030 the figure will increase to almost $229 million.

It is clear that discovering and disabling unauthorized access mechanisms to confidential information, based on illicit eavesdropping, interception and unauthorized transmission devices, is a growing concern for those who, given the type of information

they handle, need to ensure that their assets, communication systems and workspaces are not compromised by malicious agents.Electronic sweeps or TSCM are carried out on-site by means of exhaustive inspections. It requires a high qualification of the professionals who carry out this work, with a great knowledge of the espionage methods, their means and the places where information extraction devices can be hidden. High technology must also be used to enable the tracking of suspicious devices. There are several procedures, which are presented below:

Radio frequency analysis

The most common sweeps are performed by means of frequency detectors and are aimed at discovering those devices that emit radio signals to send audio or video containing confidential information to the outside world. For their execution, technology is used to determine the power of the signals detected within an environment and their origin.

Specialized equipment is used to track the signals to pinpoint the location of any unauthorized transmitter.

Detection of electronic devices (NLJD)

It is implemented by so-called Non-linear Junction Detectors (NLJD), highly sophisticated instruments that are capable of detecting electronic devices regardless of whether they are switched on or off. An NLJD can discover hidden components in a variety of objects such as lamps, decorative elements, etc.

Thermal images

Electronic devices give off heat when they are turned on. Thermal imaging helps to detect such signals radiating from places where they should not appear.

Physical inspection

This is one of the most important aspects of TSCM work. It is checked in the space to be secured (offices, meeting rooms, etc.) to ensure that no devices have been installed that would allow illicit access to the information being processed there.

For this purpose, all the elements contained in the area to be protected, including furniture, air conditioning ducts, etc., are checked in detail. The meticulousness in the detail of the reconnaissance may involve the use of micro-cameras that facilitate the supervision of spaces inaccessible by other means.

Why are electronic sweeps so important?

We are increasingly aware of the need for data and communications security at the level of technological devices. This growing awareness of cybersecurity must not neglect the protection of the physical work environments themselves.

Performing electronic sweeps or TSCM is crucial to safeguard a company’s information against espionage activities, and to preserve its confidentiality, integrity and availability. There are several aspects to consider in order to understand why TSCM services are increasingly necessary:

Proliferation of increasingly sophisticated and affordable spying devices

With the pace of advances in technology, the high costs that previously hindered the availability of devices capable of illicitly obtaining information have become sufficiently low that they are now available at very affordable prices, with a high level of sophistication, and are simple to operate.

On the other hand, their detection requires more expensive equipment, the use of which requires a high level of professional qualification and experience.

Protection of privacy and intellectual property

Privacy and intellectual property are fundamental and must be secured, not only for the sake of the company’s competitiveness, but also for its very existence as a company.

Electronic sweeps can prevent attacks on them.

Prevention of espionage attempts

Companies can be targeted by competitors or malicious actors trying to gain an advantage by gaining unauthorized access to their information. TSCM resources can detect and defeat devices aimed at extracting sensitive data.

Build trust

The execution of electronic sweeps helps organizations assure their customers and suppliers that information exchanges between the parties are kept confidential under secure conditions.

Choosing a suitable supplier for electronic sweeps

To protect a company against industrial espionage attempts, it is important to consider certain parameters. A risk assessment is helpful in evaluating the importance of the information in an organization’s possession, the chances of its interception, and the consequences of its loss.

The right supplier must also ensure that the cost of implementation remains below the value of the information to be protected, adjusting its budget accordingly.