Sweeps: examined, not assumed
A sweep is short for a TSCM examination, where TSCM stands for technical surveillance countermeasures. In the Netherlands and within the Algemene Beveiligingseisen Rijksoverheidsopdrachten (ABRO) also known as Elektronisch Veiligheidsonderzoek (EVO). Our sweep establishes whether and which equipment and signals are present in your boardroom, meeting room, due-diligence data room or vehicle, and where the boundaries of that examination lie. The countersurveillance sweep is the more compact variant of the EVO.
What to expect from a sweep
- Radio-frequency examination of the room with professional measurement equipment, across a range covering both classic eavesdropping devices and modern wireless technology: mobile networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy, Wi-Fi HaLow and satellite terminals.
- Physical inspection of furniture, technology and infrastructure.
- Examination of fixed lines, network connections and power.
- Discreet execution, outside office hours if preferred.
- Board-level reporting stating what was found, the threat profile it was examined against, and how far the examination provides certainty.
Method: from intake to report
1. Confidential intake
On site or through a secure channel we discuss the reason, the threat picture and the locations to be examined.
2. Execution on site
The sweep takes place at a moment that suits the required discretion, without disrupting daily operations.
3. Report and advice
You receive a report with findings, interpretation and concrete recommendations, explained at board level.
In detail: what an EVO examines
Our EVO systematically examines your room for planted eavesdropping and observation devices, combining spectrum analysis from 12 MHz to 24 GHz with targeted detection in the millimetre-wave (mmWave) band up to 44 GHz.
We measure that range for hidden transmitters, from classic bugs to mobile, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices. We examine telephone, power and data lines for branches and for unwanted signals within the measured range. We also use thermal, optical and acoustic measurements to investigate hidden cameras, laser and contact microphones and acoustic leakage to adjacent rooms.
Equipment that is switched off, records only locally or does not transmit during the examination can, under certain conditions, be found through in-depth physical inspection and non-linear junction (semiconductor) detection. The likelihood of detection is determined by accessibility, installation location, materials used and shielding.
No examination rules out every risk. We set out what was found, what remains uncertain and which measures are appropriate within the room. Absolute certainty does not exist; substantiated insight does.
Who a sweep is for
For public-sector and corporate security officers who have to hold a defensible position towards a client or an auditor. For suppliers in the defence chain who work with classified information and must be able to demonstrate that their measures work as intended. For organisations that have already taken measures and want to know whether those hold up in practice. And for law firms and the parties who sit down together in an M&A process or due diligence.
Discussing what needs to be examined
Get in touch through a channel that suits your situation. We are glad to think along with you, confidentially and without obligation.
Contact us