Information is the lifeblood of most enterprises. Corporate executives and managers, attorneys, financial officers, marketing agents, directors of human resources - these and many other people are privy to data that can mean success or failure to a venture. And while gathering information is important, it is even more critical to protect information that could undermine activities if it fell into the wrong hands. Even if everyone played by the rules, there would still be a lot of information leakage. A salesperson inadvertently mentions a new product. A casual lunch conversation reveals a marketing plan. Litigation strategy is overheard in an elevator. Add to these the very real threat of covert, illicit espionage. Don't be fooled. It happens more often than you imagine.

Find And Stop Leaks Before They Stop You

You're in a highly competitive business situation. You face legal entanglements. Sensitive labor negotiations are underway. You have valuable proprietary product designs. These are only some of hundreds of situations in which confidentiality can be the key to your success. You need to know that your information, conversations and actions are secure from prying ears and eyes - in offices, conference rooms, and in other places where you expect and require privacy. Assuring this type of protection is the role of IMG's Technical Surveillance Countermeasures group. Our professional experience and expertise have proven that the most effective TSCM programs require two distinct stages: Inspection and Monitoring.

IMG/TSCM Inspections:
A Clean "Sweep" Gets The Bugs Out

The Inspection stage involves physical and electronic "sweeping" of designated areas and/or property, such as briefcases, portable computers and cellular telephones, to assure there are no monitoring devices already in place. Inspections are comprised of two phases: Non-Alerting and Alerting. In the Non-Alerting phase, the radio frequency (RF) spectrum is monitored and a detailed signal log database is established for future reference. Power and telephone lines are scanned for carrier current devices, and a detailed physical search is conducted. All activities are completed in a manner that will not alert anyone who might be monitoring the area. In the Alerting phase, a comprehensive physical search is conducted using equipment and methods that may warn anyone monitoring the area. In addition to electronic monitoring, video and photographic records are added to the reference database and select components are tamper - sealed. Upon completion of the Inspection phases, we provide a detailed report of findings to identify any threats or vulnerabilities and recommend what further actions are warranted. It should be noted that baseline inspections only assure, to a reasonable degree of certainty, that the area in question is "clean" at that one point in time. Any subsequent penetration and usage of the area can make it susceptible to new "bugging" devices or techniques. To guarantee the continued integrity of an area, constant Monitoring should be done.

IMG/TSCM Monitoring

Assuring Integrity After The "Sweep". After an Inspection "sweep" has been completed, you may want to ensure that the area remains "clean." This would involve limiting access to the inspected area and strict procedural and physical security controls. The open environment of most modern offices makes this impossible. Therefore, IMG offers periodic follow-up Monitoring to prevent or discover subsequent tampering or planting of devices. These follow-up inspections are provided at a substantial savings over the initial "sweeps."

When And How To Request A Security "Sweep"

You may be involved in a particularly sensitive situation, or you may just want to secure certain areas as a routine precaution. Either way, there are procedures that should be followed to both assure the integrity of the "sweep" and to minimize costs. First, do the things you can do internally: -- Round up and question the "usual suspects" - employees, contractors, visitors and former employees. As you know, the vast majority of information is compromised by people, not technical espionage. -- Pick up your own garbage or beware of "garbage collectors." Provide the means to safely dispose of or protect all sensitive and proprietary information. This includes written communications like letters, faxes, files and copies, as well as electronic data, such as magnetic media, office and home computers, LANs, WANs, the internet and online services.

Once you've determined that a professional "sweep" is necessary, follow these rules: DON'T use your office or home telephone, cellular phone or fax to discuss or request the "sweep." DO request the "sweep" in writing or by personal visit on neutral "safe" ground. Use the "must know" principle in determining who should be involved and brief management on the costs and limitations. Limit areas to be inspected as much as possible and control access before and during the "sweep." Don't expect miracles, but request a detailed report.

IMG Adds Value Through TSCM

IMG refines business processes to produce unforeseen economies, as well as maximize a company's protective potential. This adds a unique business value by helping manage and protect a wide range of operations and procedures that are critical to the company's bottom line. IMG provides this service through a full spectrum of highly professional intelligence gathering, consultation and engineering for all types and sizes of companies. As a full-service security provider, IMG has the capabilities to provide specialized protection strategies - using the right mix of administrative, technical and physical security measures - to effectively counter all types of threats to property, personnel or information. IMG's managing partners and associates are available around the clock to respond quickly and effectively to client needs, both in the United States and abroad. For more information on TSCM, or if you have other security needs, call IMG today at (954) 458-5500.

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