Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) Sweep for a High-Profile Negotiation

Confidential negotiations and boardroom discussions often involve commercially sensitive information — details that, if leaked, could alter market valuations, influence competitors or undermine strategic positioning. For organisations operating at scale, the risk is no longer hypothetical. Surveillance devices are increasingly accessible, inexpensive and discreet, making them a realistic threat to corporate security.

Our client, a Paris-based multinational organisation, engaged us to perform a Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) sweep of their headquarters ahead of a high-stakes negotiation. Their concern was straightforward: could their sensitive conversations be intercepted without their knowledge?

Through a structured, technology-led sweep, we identified two insecure VoIP phones and one misconfigured Wi-Fi access point that could have allowed unauthorised eavesdropping. While no hostile devices were found, the vulnerabilities we uncovered highlighted the importance of regular TSCM audits as part of a comprehensive security strategy.

The sweep provided not only reassurance but also a clear roadmap for remediation. Ultimately, it reinforced the client’s confidence that negotiations could proceed without compromise.

Background & Client Need

The client was preparing to host an international negotiation involving multiple external stakeholders. The stakes were significant: financial outcomes, strategic partnerships and sensitive market information were all on the agenda.

In advance of these talks, the Chief Security Officer raised concerns about the potential for unauthorised surveillance. Specifically, the client requested:

• A comprehensive TSCM sweep of key meeting rooms and adjacent spaces.

• Validation of communication systems, including VoIP phones and conferencing equipment.

• Assessment of wireless and network exposure, particularly Wi-Fi and Bluetooth signals.

• Assurance to the executive team that no covert devices were present ahead of negotiations.

The driving motivation was twofold: protection of commercially sensitive information and demonstration of robust security governance to both internal and external stakeholders.

The Challenge

Modern surveillance threats have evolved significantly. Traditional “bugs” are no longer the only concern. Instead, threats now span both physical and digital vectors:

1. Miniaturised Devices
   Off-the-shelf covert microphones, GSM-enabled bugs and Wi-Fi-based transmitters can be concealed in everyday items — from pens to power adapters.

2. Exploited Infrastructure
   Corporate systems themselves, such as VoIP phones, smart TVs or conferencing equipment, can be co-opted as surveillance tools if misconfigured.

3. Wireless Vulnerabilities
   Unsecured or misconfigured Wi-Fi access points may provide remote adversaries with access to conversations or systems.

4. Perception Risk
   Even if no devices are present, executives increasingly expect proof that measures are taken. Perception of vulnerability can undermine confidence just as much as actual compromise.

In the client’s case, the risk was amplified by the profile of the negotiations, which attracted attention from competitors, regulators and potentially hostile actors. The challenge was therefore not only to detect hidden threats but also to validate infrastructure as part of a proactive assurance process.

Our Approach

We applied a structured, four-phase methodology tailored to the client’s environment:

1. Planning & Coordination

• Engagement with the Chief Security Officer to confirm scope: three meeting rooms, two adjacent offices and communal areas.

• Discreet scheduling to avoid alerting staff or external contractors.

• Alignment with IT team to ensure network access for Wi-Fi analysis.

2. Physical & RF Sweep

• Deployment of RF spectrum analysis (20MHz–6GHz) to detect anomalous transmissions.

• Infrared & thermal imaging scans to highlight active devices concealed in ceilings or vents.

3. Infrastructure Testing

• Examination of VoIP phones for open ports, default credentials and call interception risk.

• Verification of conference equipment (cameras, microphones, smart screens).

• Assessment of WiFi and Bluetooth signals for rogue or misconfigured access points.

4. Reporting & Remediation Guidance

• Immediate verbal briefing to executives after sweep.

• Formal written report with:

• Findings.

• Severity categorisation.

• Step-by-step remediation plan.

• Recommendations for periodic sweeps and integration into security governance.

Findings

Our TSCM sweep identified three key vulnerabilities:

Insecure VoIP Phones

Two VoIP handsets were found to have default administrative credentials still active. These devices, if exploited, could have been remotely accessed to activate microphones without user awareness.

Implication: Conversations in the room could have been intercepted during calls or even while phones were idle.

Misconfigured WiFi Access Point

One access point in the vicinity of the meeting room was broadcasting with weak encryption (WPA instead of WPA2/3) and had SSID broadcasting enabled.

Implication: An attacker within range could have exploited this weakness to gain lateral access to internal systems.

No Hostile Devices Detected

No covert transmitters, GSM bugs or unauthorised electronic components were identified during physical and RF sweeps.

Implication: The sweep confirmed the absence of planted devices but highlighted the importance of addressing infrastructure vulnerabilities.

Outcomes & Remediation

Our recommendations included:

1.         VoIP Security Hardening

• Immediate change of administrative credentials.

• Firmware update and remote access restriction.

• Policy update to ensure VoIP security is part of IT governance.

2.         Wi-Fi Remediation

• Decommissioning of legacy WPA-enabled access point.

• Migration to WPA3 across all corporate networks.

• Implementation of periodic Wi-Fi auditing.

3.         Board-Level Assurance

• Immediate executive briefing provided reassurance.

• Written report incorporated into board risk register.

Recommendation for semi-annual TSCM sweeps.

Value to the Client

The TSCM sweep delivered value in four key areas:

1. Reassurance Before Negotiations
   The executive team entered high-stakes talks confident that discussions could not be intercepted.

2. Infrastructure Resilience
   The vulnerabilities identified provided a roadmap for hardening corporate infrastructure.

3. Reputation Management
   By proactively commissioning a sweep, the client demonstrated governance and diligence to stakeholders.

4. Strategic Preparedness
   The case study created a model for future events, embedding TSCM as a recurring element of their security posture.

Why This Matters for Other Organisations

For organisations across sectors — from law firms to financial institutions and energy companies — the risks highlighted in this case are universal. Sensitive conversations are increasingly a target for competitors, activists and hostile actors.

TSCM sweeps are no longer a luxury; they are an essential component of corporate governance. Regular sweeps, combined with infrastructure security audits, provide assurance that conversations remain private and commercially sensitive information is protected.

Closing Note

The client’s case demonstrates the dual value of TSCM sweeps: reassurance that no hostile devices are present and validation that corporate systems are secure. While no covert transmitters were found, the discovery of insecure VoIP phones and a misconfigured Wi-Fi access point underscored the importance of routine audits.

For organisations facing sensitive negotiations, mergers, acquisitions or regulatory scrutiny, TSCM sweeps offer both practical protection and strategic assurance.

If your organisation requires confidence in the privacy of your communications, our team can conduct a comprehensive TSCM sweep within days, supported by detailed remediation guidance.