In an age where information is one of your most valuable assets, the risk of surveillance is real. Whether
you’re a business, an executive, or an individual, the possibility that someone is listening, recording, or
tracking you without your consent can mean serious threats to privacy, security, reputation, and even finances.
That’s where bug sweeping, also known as TSCM (Technical Surveillance Countermeasures), comes in.
What Is Bug Sweeping / TSCM?
Bug sweeping is a structured, professional inspection aimed at detecting, and then neutralizing hidden
surveillance devices, which may include:
• Hidden cameras
• Audio listening devices and microphones
• Wiretaps (on phone lines or network wiring)
• GPS tracking devices
• Spyware on phones or computers
TSCM is not just a simple visual search. An effective and efficient bug sweep combines physical inspection
methodologies with sophisticated hi-tech detection tools.
What Happens During a Bug Sweep?
Here’s how a reliable bug sweep process typically works:
Step What It Entails
1. Threat Assessment and Initial
Consultation
Understand what you suspect, what the vulnerabilities might be,
what assets you need to protect, helping to tailor the investigation.
2. Physical and Visual Inspection Checking rooms, furniture, fixtures, electrical outlets, wires, walls,
ceilings - in short, every possible hiding spot.
3. Electronic & RF Scanning Using spectrum analyzers and frequency scanners to find active
transmitters, wireless bugs.
4. Non-Linear Junction Detection
(NLJD)
Detects the presence of electronic components, even if a device is
powered off.
5. Wired System / Network Checks Checking phone lines, network / data cables, power lines,
equipment for wiretaps or illicit connections.
6. Vehicle & Personal Device Sweeps For people or assets that are mobile, checking vehicles for tracking
devices or hidden bugs; scanning phones and laptops for spyware.
7. Report & Recommendations Once the sweep is completed, you receive documented findings,
evidence, and suggestions on how to improve security.
Why Bug Sweeping Is So Important
Some of the common reasons clients engage us for bug sweeps:
• Corporate espionage: To protect your trade secrets, confidential meetings, or strategic plans.
• Privacy concerns: Individuals anxious about being spied on in their homes, vehicles, or across
electronic communications.
• Legal or contractual risk: If sensitive conversations are accidentally leaked, or if you suspect
someone is covertly collecting information.
• Reputational risk: Even the suspicion that you’ve been compromised can harm your professional
standing.
What to Look for When Choosing a Bug Sweep Service
It’s not enough to offer just a bug sweep.
These are key things to look out for:
• Credentials & specialization in TSCM (not just generic security)
• Equipment capabilities: spectrum analyzers, NLJD, RF detectors, etc.
• Experience with similar environments (offices vs home vs vehicles)
• Discretion & confidentiality in handling investigations
• Clear reporting and follow-up: what was found, where, how serious and what to do about it.
When Should You Consider a Bug Sweep?
Here are some scenarios that would justify hiring professionals just like us:
• You suspect someone is tapping your phone or installing spyware.
• You’re moving into a new facility / office and want to ensure no previous surveillance remains.
• Before high-stakes negotiations, merger discussions, or other confidential meetings.
• After a security breach, data leak, or when you have reason to believe that someone close employees,
contractors or competitors may be involved.
• If you or your organization handles very sensitive information (legal, financial, intellectual property).
Take Action: Protect Your Privacy & Security
Don’t wait until the damage is done. If you believe your conversations, movements, or digital
communications may be under surveillance - or you simply just want peace of mind - a comprehensive
professional bug sweep is your best safeguard. At Universal Investigations Agency, Inc., we specialize in
TSCM sweeps which include:
• Thorough inspections conducted using cutting-edge technologies conducted by a tenured team of
experienced local investigators.
• A discreet and confidential service with detailed reporting.
• Assistance detecting and documenting any surveillance or breach so you can take immediate
remedial steps or initiate legal action.
Contact us today for a free consultation to find out just how secure your space really is.
