TSCM UK
TSCM Bug Sweeping Services

How to Find a Hidden Bug (Video or Listening Device) At Your Home

Technologically, the world has advanced by leaps and bounds. A myriad of devices have been invented to ensure the security of homes and corporations. Unfortunately, these very devices are now being used to breach people's privacy and to harm them both personally and professionally. For example, eavesdropping devices are rampant nowadays, recording crucial information and private conversations. TSCM UK is here to help people and organisations protect their privacy. Typically, foolproof TSCM services cost several thousand dollars, and can be afforded only by the biggest corporations. However, there are ways to detect hidden eavesdropping devices and video bugs without spending boatloads of money. The best countersurveillance is one you can conduct yourself at your ease and convenience.

However, before you proceed with the bug sweep, buying expensive equipment and upending the whole house looking for spying devices, it's best to conduct a security risk analysis. Here's a formula that allows you to assess your security risks and the consequence of the bug sweep:

Likelihood

Likelihood determines how likely it is that you are being tracked, depending on your profession, your personal life, your lifestyle, etc. Most people tend to get scared at the thought of eavesdropping devices invading their privacy, but remember that there has to be a very specific reason for a regular person like yourself to be a target of bugging. So make a list of people who are likely to gain something by stalking you, such as an old personal or professional enemy, a jealous spouse, a private detective, or maybe cops. Next, you need to focus on the kind of eavesdropping devices being used to track your movements or conversations. They may range from cheaper and readily available RF mics, to SIM bugs, to professional implants used by police or private detectives.

Consequence

Next, you should consider the consequence of an eavesdropping device tracking your private life. You are being tracked for a reason, so think about what the person bugging you hopes to gain. If it's a jealous spouse, have you been cheating, or planning to cheat? Perhaps you were involved in some kind of felony, which the cops have caught on to and are now investigating you as a suspect. Maybe you are in possession of dangerous secrets, which has made you the target of a professional enemy who is after the information.

Vulnerability

What's your weak area? How does the person bugging gain access to a convenient location to hide an eavesdropping device or hidden camera in your home? Someone unrelated, such as an old enemy, may break into your house to plant the device. An ex may use an old key to gain entrance. A private investigation company may rely on covert surveillance methods using their slew of advanced tricks and tools. If it's the cops, they will need to obtain a warrant allowing them to hide a spying device in your home.

In general, three kinds of bugs are used, one that records on a magnetic device, one that transmits real-time feeds to a receiver, and one that transmits signals using cellphone networks or WLAN. The easiest method to detect eavesdropping devices and video bugs is by conducting a physical sweep. This is where you need to open up the electricity boxes and outlets or any other electrical devices. Using a UV light also helps. This way, you'll be able to see if any devices have been tampered with, thus pinpointing the exact location of the bug. Another way to find hidden cameras or eavesdropping devices is to use a strong flashlight as you conduct a thorough scan of the bugged area.

One of the quickest ways to find a bugging device is to detect the bug's transmission signals using your hearing. Recording eavesdropping devices cannot be detected, but it is far less time-consuming than pulling everything apart. Detecting analog bugs is easier, as they work on different frequencies from regular devices to prevent interference. It's recommended that you invest in a spectral analyzer. Digital bugs can be quite tricky to locate, since they operate on the same frequency as your data connections and your Wifi. Software bugs are highly malevolent devices. They can be easily installed onto your computer device and remain virtually undetectable. Eavesdropping devices have now been upgraded to pure signal reception. Such devices are tougher to locate, since you need to hack and tap a phone tower, a cellphone signal tower or a mail server. They are almost impossible to detect.

Law enforcement agencies like the NSA have now gone a step further. They supply your updates from social networking portals, your emails from Google, and your data from cellphone providers. Of course, this type of bugging is impossible to detect and, unfortunately, impossible to avoid as well.