Detecting Hidden Threats. Restoring Your Security.
Concerns about covert surveillance can arise when confidential information becomes known unexpectedly, an unexplained device is discovered or sensitive conversations appear to have been overheard.
Conflict International provides professional Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures, commonly known as TSCM or bug sweep services, for individuals, businesses, legal advisers and organisations concerned about unauthorised monitoring.
Our work may include the examination of offices, boardrooms, residences, vehicles and other sensitive environments for potential listening devices, hidden cameras, tracking equipment and related surveillance risks.
Every assignment begins with an assessment of the circumstances, the environment involved and the information believed to be at risk.
A professional bug sweep is a structured physical and technical examination designed to identify indicators of covert surveillance.
The work may involve:
No single piece of equipment can reliably identify every possible threat.
A proportionate TSCM examination therefore combines specialist equipment, physical inspection, technical analysis and an understanding of how covert devices may be installed or concealed.
For a detailed explanation of the process, read What Is a Bug Sweep (TSCM)? Your Essential Guide to Counter-Surveillance and Protecting Privacy.
A bug sweep may be appropriate where there is a specific concern or where the consequences of information loss would be serious.
Common circumstances include:
An unusual noise, poor telephone connection or rapidly draining battery does not by itself prove that surveillance is taking place.
The circumstances should be assessed before deciding what form of technical examination is proportionate.
Commercially sensitive environments may contain strategic plans, client information, intellectual property and confidential negotiations.
A corporate TSCM assignment may cover:
The scope should reflect how the room is used, who has access and what information may be at risk.
Residential concerns may arise during relationship disputes, stalking, harassment, litigation or following unexplained access to the property.
A residential examination can consider areas where conversations take place and locations where a device could reasonably have been installed.
We approach residential matters discreetly and avoid making assumptions about who may be responsible.
Vehicles may be examined where there is a concern about location tracking, audio monitoring or physical interference.
The work may consider:
Vehicle examinations cannot guarantee that every possible device will be located, particularly where access is restricted or equipment has already been removed.
Hotel rooms, rented offices and conference facilities can create additional risks because many people may have access before an important meeting takes place.
Where appropriate, TSCM support can be arranged before confidential discussions, negotiations or executive travel.
We begin by discussing:
This helps determine the appropriate scope and avoids unnecessary work.
The timing of the examination may be important.
In some cases, the environment should remain undisturbed until the team arrives. In others, urgent account security or police involvement may take priority.
We will explain any practical preparation required before attendance.
The precise methodology depends on the environment and assessed risk.
Equipment may include:
Equipment supports the examination, but findings must be interpreted in context. Normal communications systems, building infrastructure and neighbouring signals can all create activity requiring further assessment.
Following the examination, we explain the findings and any limitations affecting the work.
Recommendations may include:
A TSCM sweep provides an assessment of the environment at the time it is conducted. It cannot guarantee that surveillance has never occurred or that a device will not be installed later.
A physical bug sweep is not the same as a forensic examination of a phone, computer or online account.
Where the concern involves:
Separate cyber-security or digital-forensic support may be required.
The initial threat assessment should establish whether the concern is environmental, digital or potentially both.
Conflict International is based in London and supports clients across the United Kingdom.
Assignments may be arranged in offices, residences, vehicles, hotels and temporary meeting facilities.
International deployment may also be available, subject to the location, local legal requirements, timescale and scope of work.
We do not promise immediate deployment in every case. Availability depends on the circumstances and the resources required.
Clients instruct Conflict International where the matter requires a discreet, structured and proportionate response.
Our approach includes:
We do not assume that every concern confirms the presence of surveillance.
The purpose of the assessment is to examine the available evidence, identify relevant indicators and help the client decide what action is proportionate.
The most useful initial information includes:
If you are concerned that an office, residence, vehicle or sensitive meeting space may be subject to unauthorised surveillance, contact Conflict International in confidence to discuss the appropriate scope and next steps.
