Overview
Why the boardroom is its own risk
An organization’s most sensitive conversations tend to happen in a handful of rooms: the boardroom, the chief executive’s office, the rooms where legal and HR matters are discussed. Someone trying to obtain information rarely needs the whole building. They need the right conversation in the right room. So rather than spreading effort evenly across every floor, we start with those rooms and the infrastructure that serves them.
Where we look
Offices offer plenty of natural hiding places. A sweep covers, systematically:
- The underside of the meeting table, its legs, cable trays and table-top connection boxes
- Sockets, switches, power strips and charging adapters
- Ceiling voids, light fittings and ventilation grilles
- Conference phones, video conferencing systems, displays, projectors and speakers
- Clocks, shelving, frames and decor items received as gifts
- Phone and data cabling, unused lines and distribution panels
Gifts deserve particular attention. A desk clock, a pen holder or a charging dock can sit unquestioned in the same place for months.
Methods that cover each other
A sweep built on one instrument only sees what that instrument can see. An RF spectrum analyzer finds active transmitters but cannot see a recorder that only stores audio. An NLJD detects electronics even when powered off, but in a room full of AV equipment every response has to be verified. A thermal camera shows working circuits, not dormant ones. An optical lens finder catches camera lenses, not microphones. That is why an office sweep combines RF, NLJD, thermal and optical checks, physical inspection and, where relevant, line analysis. No alert counts as a finding until it has been physically verified.
Timing
Some transmitters only switch on when they detect sound, or at set times. Where possible we run the RF survey under conditions close to a normal working day, and the physical inspection out of hours. A sweep immediately before a critical meeting and monitoring during it are different services; for the latter, see event and meeting security.
Before we arrive
- Don’t mention the sweep in the suspected room or on the phones in it, and use a neutral calendar entry.
- Contact us from a device and account you do not suspect.
- Keep the circle small: involve facilities and IT only as far as access requires.
- Have access to rooms, ceiling hatches and risers ready, plus building drawings if available.
- If you think you have found a device, don’t touch or move it.
If a device is found
Removing it on the spot is rarely the right move. We photograph and document it in place, then help you decide how to proceed, whether that means involving counsel or the police, or starting an internal review. Those decisions are yours; we document and report the technical side.
Confidentiality and coverage
We sign NDAs on request, arrive in unmarked vehicles, and deliver the report only to the people you name. We are based in Ankara and work on site anywhere in Turkey. For recurring needs, see our corporate periodic TSCM programme.
01
Warning signs
- Information discussed only in a closed meeting turns up outside
- A competitor seems unusually well prepared for your bid, pricing or strategy
- An unexplained maintenance, cleaning or technical service visit
- Ceiling tiles, socket covers or furniture that have moved without explanation
- A new plug adapter, power strip, clock or gift item nobody can account for
02
Process
Secure first contact
We talk outside the suspected space and devices, and agree on the risks, the critical rooms and the timing.
Assessment and scope
Based on floor plans, critical rooms, ceiling and riser access and working hours, we prepare a work plan and quote.
RF survey
We map the radio environment, account for known transmitters and trace unexplained signals to their source.
NLJD, thermal and optical sweep
Walls, furniture, ceilings and decor are swept surface by surface for circuitry, heat signatures and lens reflections.
Physical and line inspection
Sockets, junction boxes, conferencing equipment and cabling are opened or inspected by endoscope; phone and data lines are checked.
Verification and report
Every suspicious reading is physically verified, and you receive a written report with findings, photographs and recommendations.
03
What you receive
- Written report of the areas inspected, methods used and findings
- In-place photographs and locations of any findings
- Concrete, practical recommendations for meeting room security
- NDA on request
04
Limitations
- A sweep verifies the room at the time of the sweep; it cannot cover a device planted afterwards.
- Interception at carrier or network level cannot be detected by an in-building sweep.
- Points embedded in walls that require breaking in are opened only with your approval and to a limited extent.
- Devices carried by attendees, or software on their phones, are outside a room sweep and need a separate inspection.
05
Questions
Do you sweep during office hours?
Usually in two stages. Part of the RF survey is done under conditions close to normal working hours; the physical inspection is mostly done out of hours, with the space empty. We agree the plan with you during the assessment.
Should our staff know about the sweep?
We recommend telling as few people as possible. One person from facilities or IT is often enough for access. Who is informed is your decision.
What happens if you find a device?
We document it in place without touching it and plan the next step with you. Decisions such as involving your legal counsel or the police are yours; we report the technical findings.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes. For corporate engagements we sign a non-disclosure agreement on request. Our vehicles are unmarked and the report goes only to the people you designate.