Technical Surveillance Counter Measure (TSCM) are processes that look for physical, communication, and IT threats to security. The threat of surveillance in corporate and government environments is real. Co-workers, professionals hired repairing and maintain certain building components, even professionals from other companies may want to plant surveillance equipment in your office, your home, your car; And any other location that you use to converse with other individuals about private matters.
While heightened security protocols can prevent some devices from being planted, the only way to remove these devices is by thoroughly searching and disposing of them. Technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM) is a term created by the United States government that describes the action of sweeping for devices that may be spying on you. So, TSCM is basically used to help you recognize that you are under surveillance.
Originally, Technical Surveillance Counter Measure was aimed at sweeping rooms just for listening devices. This was done by using various pieces of technology that could detect the emission of radio waves.
This process has evolved to the point where non-radio emissions can also be detected. This means sensitive equipment can be used to search for magnetic waves, thermal emissions, and light emissions, such as lasers that may be broadcasting a silent signal to a receiver.
The field of TSCM has evolved far past just searching for listening devices. It encompasses securing communications technology, thoroughly inspecting and fortifying information technology, and ensuring that there is a heightened protocol of physical security to prevent future espionage.
