ABOUT TSCM, TSCM SERVICES AND PRACTITIONERS

One of the most valuable commodities an organization has is it's proprietary information. Yet, many companies and organizations do very little to protect this investment, This valuable information can be intercepted and stolen as it is transmitted through telephone or cellular communication, fax, computer modem, video conferencing or even through regular office conversations. There are numerous ways an intelligence operative can intercept your data. The value inherent in this information can affect an organizations' bottom line, public image, litigation, ownership of intellectual property, and human lives. Organizations with a high level of threat awareness have turned to security professionals to supplement or enhance their existing security profile. TSCM firms are now at the forefront of the battle against corporate espionage and privacy violation. The question is, how will you choose a competent TSCM firm to assist in the protection of your information privacy?

If you believe that your information has monetary or strategic value and is currently at risk, then it is time to consider a TSCM firm.

Technical surveillance counter-measures is a somewhat esoteric niche in the security field. TSCM practitioners tend to keep a low profile due to the nature of their business. These firms can be comprised of former government and law enforcement agents and officers. Some are electronics technicians and engineers. Many of these firms also perform investigative work and/or security consultation. Some of the things to look for when contracting a competent TSCM firm are:

 

1. Does the firm have experience and training? (Most reputable TSCM firms should have at least one of the following: verifiable training, government training and service in counter-measures, government training and service in electronic surveillance, high quality counter-measures training in the private sector, an apprentice period with an established TSCM firm.)
2.  Is the firm properly equipped? The answer to this question may or may not be relevant or of consequence to you unless you know what a TSCM firm would need to perform a thorough and professional sweep. There are some red flags to look for in this area. If the firm you interviews tells you that they can perform a thorough sweep of your facility with the contents of a small attaché case you may want to continue interviewing other firms. Most sweep teams will have one or more hand-trucks loaded with "lab-standard" electronics and other paraphernalia to perform even a modest sweep operation. Another red flag would be a reliance on just one or two pieces of test equipment. The reality is that there is no single piece of electronic test equipment that can do everything. In addition, the cost of electronic test equipment designed or modified for TSCM work is very expensive. It is unlikely that a "less-than-reputable" firm would make this type of investment in highly specialized equipment. Still another "red-flag" would be the lack of a "physical" search component to a proposed sweep or an abbreviated search. This is one of the most time consuming and extensive components to a professional counter-measures sweep.
3. The TSCM firm should have a sweep report that you can review. Naturally the report will be sanitized of all client information. The report should give you a clear picture as to the extent of the search contracted for and what was done.
4.  Some firms may have clients willing to speak with you regarding their experience with the TSCM firm in question. It is also possible that previous clients, due to confidentiality concerns, will not speak with you regarding the firm in question. "You should still request possible referral information in case it is available."
5. A positive indicator would be a firm's affiliations. Membership in national organizations the such as; "ASIS", "BECCA", "CALI", "IAPPA", etc............. may be reflection of the firm's commitment to the security field.
6.  If you are satisfied with the answers of the TSCM firm you have interviewed the only other indicator would be fee. Generally speaking, you usually get what you pay for in TSCM services. A firm that has invested in current high-quality equipment and training will seek a higher fee than a practitioner or firm who may only perform 4 or 5 sweeps per year and has a minimal investment in equipment and/or training.

 We hope that our comments regarding counter-measures services and practitioners are of some assistance to you. Choosing a firm to help you to protect your privacy and your valuable information is a serious choice. Choosing an experienced, well-trained and professionally equipped TSCM team can be difficult but there are reputable and competent firms to choose from in your area.