Frequently Asked Questions

TSCM commonly known as bug sweeping, is performed to detect and locate both listening and visual surveillance and eavesdropping devices that are typically used for both personal and corporate espionage.  Universal TSCM Group consultants utilize state of the art electronic device locating equipment designed to cover a very broad spectrum of transmitting frequencies, as well as RF (Radio Frequency) and Laser emanations. If devices are detected, a physical examination will be performed to locate and remove the devices. 

Universal TSCM Group utilizes a wide array of the finest, most high-tech TSCM equipment available. We continually evaluate new equipment and software as it hits the market to maintain our technical edge. Our equipment is a major reason why we consistently provide our clients with the highest level of service.

• An up-to-date equipment list that our TSCM teams use can be found here: Not all TSCM providers offer this. 
• Make sure your service provider has the latest and greatest equipment. A TSCM expert should own all the equipment necessary to complete your task, like a OSCOR Blue or Green Spectrum Analyzer, KESTREL, a Non-Linear Junction Detector (NLJD), a Telephone Analyzer, etc.  Also, ask for a detailed list of the tools used in the process and analyze it thoroughly. An expert TSCM technician should be able to identify exploitable pathways by conducting radio frequency spectrum analysis. And, also should be able to provide a professional evaluation of your home, business executive offices or facility’s security posture against electronic eavesdropping and GSM / 3G / 4G and CDMA remote cellular attacks.

Universal TSCM Group carries out Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM), or debugging for our clients worldwide. The clients that utilize our TSCM service range from the average person through financial corporations, banks and international law firms. Being one of the leading TSCM firms in the the United States, we constantly invest in new countermeasures equipment and keep educated as to the latest technical trends and threats.

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

There are many types of electronic eavesdropping devices or bugs. During our TSCM sweep, we will typically search for the following devices:

• Micro wireless video devices
• Laser and infrared eavesdropping devices
• Wire and microphone taps
• Telephone taps
• Carrier current devices bug sweep hidden camera detector
• hidden cameras

Pre-sweep, our TSCM professionals will conduct a detailed examination of your location in order to:

• Discretely determine threats to the location
• Detect the presence of technical surveillance devices and hazards
• Identify technical security weaknesses that may allow illegal penetration of your facility
• Provide a professional evaluation of your facility’s technical security position
• During the actual sweep, our team will perform a comprehensive visual, physical, and electronic inspection to determine the presence and location of any and all electronic eavesdropping devices. We will also identify other technical weaknesses that may exist in your security posture.
• During visual inspections, we look for hidden eavesdropping devices in areas in which they are commonly found.
• During physical inspections, we take it a step further, thoroughly examining furniture, outlet covers, ceilings, and other locations common for eavesdropping devices such as microphones, recording devices, transmitters, and camera systems.
• Our electronic inspection leverages a variety of sophisticated equipment to identify and locate hostile signals and other telltale signs of eavesdropping equipment. Additionally, we survey AC electrical outlets, telephone cables, computer lines, and other wiring capable of transmitting communication, looking for wiretaps and other intercept devices.
• After all TSCM sweeps, we provide a detailed written report of the results, and any recommendations for improving your technical security posture. 

Our TSCM personnel are drawn from Elite Law enforcement, Secret Service, FBI, 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.