Electronic espionage first gained attention as a threat against governments and large companies. Recent news stories about everyday digital spying by individuals uncover the growing need for Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) among all sorts of people, including small business owners or even private individuals.
Today, almost anybody can access digital tools to spy on others, making cyberspying a growing threat to personal privacy. Learn more by reading some examples of recent electronic spying by individuals, why amateur spies commit these invasions of privacy, and what you can do to detect and prevent it.
Electronic Espionage in the News in 2022
Consider the motives and tactics employed in these three recent news stories about covert, illegal surveillance claims.
An Audio Recorder Found Under a Dorm Room Bed
Laine Hardy first gained fame as an “American Idol” singing star. Later, he gained infamy after his arrest for planting an audio-recording device under his former girlfriend’s dorm room bed. The VR-500 recorder only costs about $130 and is easily purchased online.
At first, the victim thought the device was a rechargeable battery that accidentally ended up under the bed. She only discovered its function as a voice-activated audio recorder after checking the model number online out of curiosity.
A Spy Camera in the Bathroom of a Private Home
Police arrested a student from the University of California Santa Barbara for hiding a digital recording camera inside the bathroom of a private home. When the police contacted the student, they found several digital surveillance devices in his possession. Anyone can purchase discreet “spy cameras” on Amazon and other retail sites. Often, advertisers advertise these products because they deceptively look like lightbulbs, pens, power banks, and other objects.
Electronic Surveillance Equipment Discovered in a Chinese Factory
Chinese police arrested a labor activist on suspicion of planting eavesdropping equipment in a factory. Authorities believed the activist hoped to gain proof of labor violations and had sought covert employment in factories to carry out these activities. This third-party company produces shoes for Ivanka Trump’s company and other brands.
What Motivates the Latest High-Tech Privacy Invasions?
In the past, the news primarily broadcast news about illegal surveillance from political groups or business competitors. People assumed it took sophisticated technical skills and deep pockets to pull off these capers. At the same time, commonly available and affordable technology makes it possible for almost anybody to attempt to spy on their family, coworkers, employers, friends, and neighbors.
The same audio and video technology that people might legitimately buy to provide them with extra security can quickly transform into tools for spycraft. Anyone can find these devices on such popular retail sites as eBay or Amazon. They’re also relatively simple to use and install in small businesses, homes, or vehicles.
Thus, some modern spies might have economic or political motivations. At the same time, individuals may decide to spy on other people, with jealousy, revenge, or even entertainment as a motive. Even affordable devices can work effectively, especially when the victims don’t suspect it.
What Are Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM)?
The government coined the term “Technical Surveillance Countermeasures” (TSCM) to refer to devices and processes used to find and disable surveillance. Put simply, TSCM services apply their experience and sophisticated equipment for bug detecting.
These services conduct inspections using their experience and sophisticated electronic sweeps. The assessments may find hidden audio microphones, plus video and GPS devices. They may also perform additional checks to ferret out low-tech surveillance, such as covert employees using their positions as a way to spy on employers.
Is Somebody Invading Your Personal or Business Privacy?
Is your business or personal life genuinely secure? Find out more about TSCM services and how we can help you.
