Bug Sweep Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), commonly called a bug sweep, is a professional inspection designed to detect and locate unauthorized listening devices, hidden cameras, tracking devices and other electronic surveillance. Specialized equipment examines a broad range of radio frequencies and electronic signals; if something suspicious is detected, our technicians conduct a detailed physical inspection to identify its source.

Depending on the environment and scope, our technicians may use spectrum analyzers, non-linear junction detectors (NLJDs), RF detection systems, telephone and line-analysis equipment, thermal imaging, optical camera detection equipment and other specialized tools. We continually evaluate advances in surveillance and counter-surveillance technology to keep our equipment and methods current.

Hidden and covert cameras, wireless audio and video transmitters, covert microphones and recorders, telephone taps and interception devices, GPS and other trackers, laser and infrared surveillance devices, wired devices, and devices concealed in electrical systems, furniture, fixtures or everyday objects.

We first evaluate the location and discuss your concerns. During the examination we assess risks, conduct visual, physical and electronic inspections, examine likely concealment locations, analyze the radio-frequency environment, and inspect telephone lines, network cabling and wiring when appropriate. Afterward you can receive a detailed report of findings and recommendations.

Consider a professional inspection if you suspect unauthorized surveillance, have experienced a leak of confidential information, are involved in a sensitive business or legal matter, or simply have privacy concerns. A sweep can also be performed proactively, even without specific evidence of surveillance.

Yes. Some devices record to internal memory and don't transmit a wireless signal, which makes them hard to find with basic RF detectors. We combine specialized electronic equipment with detailed visual and physical inspection to find both transmitting and non-transmitting devices.

Our TSCM professionals bring experience from law enforcement, the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, military intelligence, telecommunications, cybersecurity and computer networking.

Yes. Privacy, confidentiality and discretion are central to our work. Information about an inspection, its circumstances and our findings is handled professionally and shared only with appropriate parties. If you believe your phone or email may be compromised, contact us from a different device.

It depends on the size and complexity of the location, the number of rooms or areas and the scope of the examination. Before we begin, we discuss the property and your concerns to determine the right scope of work.

Professional TSCM involves far more than a handheld RF detector. Modern devices may transmit intermittently, operate on different frequencies, record locally without transmitting, or be carefully concealed. Professional technicians combine specialized equipment, technical knowledge, physical inspection and experience.

We provide TSCM services nationwide, with offices in New York, California, Florida and Arizona. Contact us to discuss your location.

We plan each inspection around your business operations to minimize disruption. Because we are available 24/7, the inspection can be scheduled at a time that suits your organization.

Yes. A written report can be provided after the examination. It may include the areas inspected, relevant findings, identified vulnerabilities and recommendations for improving your technical security.

There is no single schedule that suits every organization. Frequency depends on the sensitivity of your information, personnel changes, important negotiations, security incidents and your overall risk. Some clients choose periodic inspections; others request sweeps before or after particularly sensitive events.

If you are concerned about unauthorized surveillance, discretion matters. We recommend limiting discussion of the inspection to the people who need to know.

No. Whether you have a specific reason to suspect surveillance or simply want greater peace of mind, tell us what you have noticed and we can discuss an inspection appropriate for your situation.

Our technicians document its location and discuss the findings with you. Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to preserve the device and contact law enforcement or legal counsel rather than immediately removing or altering it.

Yes. Covert listening devices can be extremely small and concealed inside furniture, electrical fixtures, electronics, walls or ceilings. A professional examination combines physical inspection with specialized electronic detection equipment.

No. Surveillance devices can be extremely small and disguised as ordinary household items. You do not need to determine whether a device is actually present. Tell us what you have noticed or why you are concerned, and we will discuss an appropriate inspection.

It depends on the size and layout of the apartment, the number of rooms and the scope of the examination. We discuss your property and concerns beforehand to determine the right scope.

Yes. Modern hidden cameras can be extremely small and concealed inside common objects, fixtures and electronics, which is why we use multiple detection methods rather than a single type of detector.

Yes. Our technicians conduct physical and electronic inspections of appropriate areas of the vehicle to identify suspicious or unauthorized tracking equipment.

Yes. We conduct specialized inspections of boats and private aircraft for tracking devices, hidden cameras, listening devices and other unauthorized surveillance equipment, tailored to the vessel or aircraft.

Tell us what prompted your concern. Understanding the situation helps our technicians focus on the most relevant areas of the vehicle.

Yes. Inspections can be conducted before important meetings, negotiations, conferences, presentations and other sensitive events.

Depending on your requirements, additional on-site monitoring may be appropriate during certain events to help identify suspicious electronic activity. Monitoring should be discussed and scheduled in advance.

Yes. Hotel and temporary-location inspections are particularly important for executives, attorneys, high-profile individuals and corporate teams handling confidential information while traveling.

Yes. Some devices record directly to internal memory, making them difficult to detect with basic RF detectors. A professional examination combines specialized electronic equipment with detailed visual and physical inspection to identify both transmitting and non-transmitting devices.

Consumer detectors may identify certain transmitting devices, but they don't provide the capabilities of a professional TSCM examination. Some modern devices do not continuously transmit a detectable signal.

Yes. Depending on the scope of the inspection, our technicians use telephone and line-analysis equipment and inspect telephone lines, network cabling and wiring when appropriate.