MICROSEARCH, LLC

COUNTER EAVESDROPPING SPECIALISTS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  Following is a list of questions we have been asked over the past 9 years. If you do not find an answer to your specific question, please feel free to contact us at info@microsearchllc.com .

A. Our inspections are conducted using techniques and procedures developed over many years by government and private TSCM inspectors. Certain procedures simply can not be completed in a short period of time.  The firm that finished the earlier inspection in less than an hour could not possibly have performed a full and thorough inspection.

Q: What are the benefits of regular TSCM inspections?

A: Locate, identify and neutralize clandestine surveillance devices.

Locate, identify and recommend corrections to office equipment which can be exploited for espionage purposes.

Helps satisfy the obligation to protect confidential information as described in the Economic Espionage Act of 1996.

Deterrent to future espionage attempts.

Shareholders and employees appreciate management’s serious approach to protecting proprietary data or information critical to national security.

Peace of mind; you have taken positive steps toward maintaining your competitive edge.

Serves as an independent security audit.

Q. Can you guarantee that we will be completely free of eavesdropping devices after your inspection?

A. No, and any firm that makes that guaranty is not being honest.  We are confident that our inspections will detect all eavesdropping devices, but it is impossible to be 100% certain. Additionally, if your security is not sufficiently strong, an eavesdropper might walk in as we are walking out.

Q. How often do you find eavesdropping devices?

A. Finding an actual eavesdropping device is rare. Over the years we have determined that eavesdropping devices are found during approximately 5 to 8% of the inspections. Almost every inspection discloses security vulnerabilities that can be exploited for eavesdropping, unauthorized entry, and information theft.

Q. What is the difference between TSCM and “de-bugging”?

A. TSCM is the term applied to the process of inspecting a room or area for the presence of eavesdropping devices, naturally occurring audio paths, and physical security weaknesses by those who have come from the law enforcement or military community.  The term “de-bugging” is not considered a professional description of the process.

Q. Is there an additional charge for conducting a TSCM inspection on week ends or at night?

A. No, there is no extra charge for working weekends or most holidays. We typically conduct the TSCM inspections after the close of business, with off site monitoring during business hours.

Q. How do you determine the fee for an inspection?

A. The inspection fee is based on the number of rooms to be inspected and the square footage.  The best way to obtain an accurate quotation is by using or convenient Quotation Information Worksheet. Simply download the form, fill it out, and fax it back to us. A formal quotation will be prepared within 24 hours.

Q. One of our facilities is located in Chicago. Are you willing to travel to Chicago to do the TSCM inspection?

A. We have traveled all over the United States as well as to the Middle East and Europe to conduct inspections.  We are certainly willing to travel, but we are also happy to recommend trusted colleagues in the area.  We belong to the Espionage Research Institute (ERI) which is an organization of the top TSCM personnel in the world.  We are confident to refer inspections to our ERI colleagues.

Q. What kind of companies utilize your services?

A. We have performed TSCM inspections for a wide variety of companies, government agencies, and high profile individuals. In law enforcement it is said that there is no such thing as a “routine” radio call or vehicle stop. We have found that there is no such thing as a “typical” TSCM client.

Q. After you inspect the facility, is there any device we can install that will sound an alarm if a “bug” is planted later?

A. The simple answer is, no. There are several types of eavesdropping device, many of which do not produce anything that can be measured by an instrument.  There is nothing, for example, that would detect a tape recorder being brought into an office.  Additionally, there is no instrument that will detect the security weaknesses we always discover.

Q. I believe my car may be bugged.  Is that possible?

A. It is certainly possible, but not likely. Generally speaking it is difficult to install an effective eavesdropping device in a car unless the adversary has adequate time.  The ambient noise inside most moving vehicles makes putting a tape or digital recorder under the seat, in a seat or door pocket, or in the glove box ineffective.  We frequently inspect vehicles for tracking devices if there is strong suspicion that conversations taking place in the vehicle were intercepted.

Q. I believe my adversary is following me. Can you check my car for a tracking device?

A. Yes, we do inspect vehicles for tracking devices.

Q: I would like to arrange a countermeasures sweep.  How do I proceed?

A: Security professionals (including private investigators), government agencies, and corporate directors of security can simply download and print out our Quotation Information Worksheet, fill it out as completely as possible, and fax it back to us.  An accurate formal quotation will be prepared within 24 hours.  After the quotation is accepted we will schedule a mutually convenient date and time to begin the inspection.  There is no extra charge for inspections conducted at night, on week ends, or on most holidays.

  Private individuals must be referred by a security professional. Private individuals need to know that we are not equipped to inspect for electronic harassment devices, and are unable to assist with those cases in any manner.