Most bugs transmit information, whether data, video, or voice, through the air by using radio waves. They are already out there casing houses for their next B&E, orauditing public targets for their next big attack. The CIA, MI6, and operatives worldwide know that surveillance and counter-surveillance skills can mean the difference between life and death. Counter surveillance is a technique used to detect and recognize ongoing surveillance to develop suitable countermeasures. Evasion: avoiding risky locations, being discreet or circumspect, using code words, Being situation-aware ("looking over your shoulder"), Leaving the area without being seen or followed e.g. If you dont believe that someone is watching you, you wont be motivated to respond to the threat. The 21st-century survivalistneeds to recognize that otherpeople can pose as large a threatto their well-being as anyenvironmental or circumstantialscenario. Does a parked vehicle leave the area in the opposite direction each time you pass? By looking for 1) people, 2) objects, and 3) behavior that deviates from what you expect to be normal for that time and location, you will be able to squirrel out much more than just surveillance. Medical Bag Updates: Repacking & Maintaining Over the Counter Medications Go-To Preparedness Bags and Food Selections Consider the Three Ps Before Packing for Your Next Trip All Apparel Body Armor Camouflage Dive EDC Eyewear Footwear Headwear Lighting Load Bearing Night Vision Packs The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Some require special equipment, while others do not. The word surveillance really means to observe.. Use Surveillance Detection Routes (SDRs) The best way to avoid surveillance is by varying your routine and avoiding routes you habitually use. Aneighbor is getting his mail, so you walk over to see whether he knows what caused themuddy ruts. The timing of detection surveys and location scans is critical to success, and varies with the type of location being scanned. This is also where you can use misinformation to confuse and delay their information gathering. Cyber crook who captured nude photos of Miss Teen USA 2013 by infiltrating through the webcam in her home. Lab and even field-quality receivers are very expensive and a good, working knowledge of RF theory is needed to operate the equipment effectively. They will move on to someone else (sounds familiar I know). WebTo counter these, techniques such as simply being situation-aware and avoiding certain locations can be sufficient to counter the threat of surveillance. Therefore, in the space available here, Im going to point out the key principles to a counter surveillance operation. For example, as an individual, the use of a CCTV camera outside your property or video doorbell system can help you to identify any unusual activity at your property when youre not at home or capture images of anyone conducting illegal activity. WebCounter surveillance techniques are intended to combat the harmful impact of surveillance tactics. Countersurveillance is different from sousveillance (inverse surveillance), as the latter does not necessarily aim to prevent or reduce surveillance. Sorry. For permanent facilities, scans and surveys must take place during working hours to detect remotely switchable devices that are turned off during non-working hours to defeat detection.[10]. Another method is using very sensitive thermal cameras to detect residual heat of a bug, or power supply, that may be concealed in a wall or ceiling. Some detection equipment is readily available from online retailers or can be built using other accessible components. To counter these, techniques such as simply being situation-aware and avoiding certain locations can be sufficient to counter the threat of surveillance. WebYou can avoid many common methods of surveillance by using some basic counter surveillance techniques. Department of Homeland Security. Then, you would drive along an unexpected route so you can complete a different task and subsequently return to the surveillance teams attention. It can also include covert listening devices, visual surveillance devices, and countersurveillance software to thwart unwanted cybercrime, such as accessing computing and mobile devices for various nefarious reasons (e.g. He asks ifyou knew this object was installed underyour car. It could be seconds, hours, or months. Relieved, you continue on your way. Stare openly at suspect vehicles or persons. WebHow can you tell if someone is following you?First of all, make sure you are doing the basic check to see if you are being followed. If you have passed this self-assessment quiz, youare ready to learn active counter-surveillance techniques. A combination of existing techniques and resonance sweeps can often pick up even a defunct or "dead" bug in this way by measuring recent changes in the electromagnetic spectrum. Apassenger exits the vehicle behind you andstarts approaching your drivers door withone hand inside the zipper of his coat. CS basically turns the tables by conducting surveillance on the surveillance in order to collect more detailed information on it. A good way to do this is to periodically glance sideways (at stores, cars, people, etc) and use peripheral vision to look behind you. As these prefixes mean against, it would be hard to establish commonly accepted criteria pointing to which actions or tasks areAntiand which areCounter. The sun has not even begun its climb this early in the morning and you are leavinghome to go to work. Before you can employ active countermeasures to defeat a surveillance you need to be aware that something isnt right.. One vehicle may leave a position and be replaced by another in a different location. Counter Surveillance: Electronic Search There are a number of electronic ways to search for hidden spy bugs. A good way to do this is to periodically glance sideways (at stores, cars, people, etc) and use peripheral vision to look behind you. The United States Department of Defense defines a TSCM survey as a service provided by qualified personnel to detect the presence of technical surveillance devices and hazards and to identify technical security weaknesses that could aid in the conduct of a technical penetration of the surveyed facility. Countersurveillance refers to measures that are usually undertaken by the public to prevent surveillance,[1] including covert surveillance. When Bryan and I discussed writing this series of articles I had to think carefully about what information I was going to put out, as I want this information to be used to keep you and your family safe and have it become an important part of your overall security plan. If you or your principal have noticed that somebody has been following you, it can be for a multitude of reasons. The advent of multimedia devices and remote control technologies allow huge scope for removal of massive amounts of data in very secure environments by the staff employed within, with or without their knowledge. Drive off a motorway and come back on again. getting "lost in the crowd" so that followers lose contact, No or little electronic equipment, which must be sealed after being used, Minimal furniture, preferably made of transparent materials, Prohibition of introduction of electronic equipment. The bad guys do not need to learn about counter surveillance because they are alreadygood at defeating it. Youve just turned down a narrow sidestreet. As well as measures such as an absence of windows, electromagnetic shielding and strict access control can be implemented for an existing room such as a boardroom, a secure room or faraday cage could be installed to provide assurance of electromagnetic interference protection. The more professional a team is, the fewer anomalies they will create to alert you, soattention to detail is the key. Get our best outdoor and self-reliance tips, delivered right to your inbox! Applying a certain level of paranoia during planning and operations will ensure you dont drop your guard. The take home message from this article is that if you suspect surveillance you should alter your route and times to avoid a possible attack. Is that guy at the bus stop watching you or simply waiting for the bus? Youll want to leave the evidence for the police to investigate, including fingerprints. On a national level, counterintelligence operations exist to monitor and protect against surveillance by other nationalities or criminal groups such as terrorists. Another technique is to focus on the integrity of one secure space in which confidential conversations and information can be undertaken in confidence. As these prefixes mean against, it would be hard to establish commonly accepted criteria pointing to which actions or tasks are, In my view as an old-school security guy counter works better for me when the surveillance has been detected, and we want to obtain intel and enforce one or more Ds (delay, deny, degrade, disrupt or destroy). Professional sweeping devices are very expensive. WebIf Dobson sounds a bit paranoid, thats because she graduated from spy school. Popular interest in countersurveillance has been growing given media coverage of privacy violations:[3][4]. When are you vulnerable? These may involve business competitors, legitimate legal investigations, disgruntled employees, members of the press and even criminals. You also want to appear as a hard target, so they move on to someone else. Moreover, the likely so-called target areas of bugging cover: Luckily, there are tried and true methods to counter all these malign activities. Actually, as soon as you establish that somebody is monitoring your principal, dont deviate from your daily routine. Employ your counter-moves to try to detect the surveillance, but unless youre coming under attack, crashing your car or getting a citation isnt worth it. Move your belongings away from the viewing angle (or dont use your phone or car for anything but the most basic activities like going grocery shopping, or checking the weather). Fortunately, the car remains parked and youcan see the driver put a phone to his ear. They differ significantly and have a wide range of applications depending on the situation. Thisis the statement a victim makes some time before the inevitable, They came out ofnowhere it was just too late to act,report. With the growing threat posed by cyber-attacks, the protection of data held online and on secure networks is paramount. WebCounter-surveillance covers drills used by individuals or a team to evade surveillance. For this and a slew of other reasons that follow in this article: Believe! Other scholars refer to this framework as Deter, Detect, React. Far too many people underestimate simple precautions such as shredding mail, locking mailboxes, and using a screen saver on the computer. To put all this into practice, we bring you several general rules and procedures: These are only some of the best practices that can quickly turn your luck around in countering surveillance. Passive or active detection methods may be used. There is a person blocking the roadwith a vehicle for no apparent reason. Does a vehicle move when you move? As you read through this, put yourself in the scenario. We recommend that you use an alternative browser for many reasons including greater security and a better experience when browsing the web. Your direction is not usually known (since you switch things up), evasive moves can be made early, they are not sure when you may move and you may move quickly. 2023 epwired.com | All rights reserved. Criminals want victims who cannot, orwill not, be able to put up an effectivefight. Please try loading the page again or check back with the person who sent you this link. These insecurities can be born from romantic,casual, or even business relationships. Regardless of the purpose of theirsurveillance, the surveyors count onyou to not detect them or their mission might fail. In other words, the potential attackers or intruders should suspect or be sure that you detected them. Far too many people underestimate simple precautions such as shredding mail, locking mailboxes, and using a screen saver on the computer. Yes, this may be the image that the media and movies portray, but that is not the exact role of the protective detail. Awareness alone goes a longway to make you a harder target. When we talk about terrorists or other organized criminals, they use a planning process that assures their success. A van like that will cause every parent in the neighborhood to eye you with suspicion. However, sophisticated devices may only be detectable by professional-grade equipment due to the frequency or range of frequencies they use or the devices may use techniques to avoid being detected such as remote activation and inactivation. The neighborhood is quiet, aside from a barking dog making a racketat one of the neighbors houses. These are measures taken to surveil if you are being surveilled. Some surveillance processes can take weeks or months of information gathering. A typical surveillance combines the following chain of events: 1. Pinhole Button Cameras: just like they sound, theyre tiny cameras that look like a button, or a screw. A van like that will cause every parent in the neighborhood to eye you with suspicion. 9 Surveillance Techniques for Private Investigators - NITA All is not lost. The assailant chooses a possible victim and start gathering information. Which service(s) are you interested in? ANOMALIES & THEIR KEY INDICATORS PEOPLE KEY INDICATORS: People that appear to be out of place They are intended to check the spy's access to confidential information at the selection and collection phases. You should also take notes of suspicious activity, vehicles and persons. On a national level, counterintelligence operations exist to monitor and protect against surveillance by other nationalities or criminal groups such as terrorists. International Association of Privacy Professionals. Why do you make certain decisions? This campaign is active worldwide. Some surveillance processes can take weeks or months of information gathering. Why do you have patterns? Surveillance continues as the attack is planned and practiced. Each with itsown agenda, they are all essentially in the information business. Make deliberate movements, including sudden stops, starts, or changes of direction. CS basically turns the tables by conducting surveillance on the surveillance in order to collect more detailed information on it. The right place to explore EP companies. Theyve taken the lessons learned frombeing surveillance subjects and evolved to using surveillance to enhance their own targetawareness. Counter Surveillance: Electronic Search There are a number of electronic ways to search for hidden spy bugs. They entail continuous observation and awareness to detect patterns or surveillance around the person youre protecting. Counter-measures like burst transmission and spread spectrum make detection more difficult. You do not need a Chester the Molester or Free Candy van to work covert surveillance cases. Also some devices have no active parts, and an example is the Great Seal given to the US Ambassador to Moscow which hid a device (the Thing). Same as the really old wordcounterattack. Do you need assistance in countering a surveillance or eavesdropping threat, or do you think youre the victim of an attack? Understand that some surveillance isfor the common good (e.g., anti-crime),some is for specific gain (e.g., domestic)and some is for nefarious purposes (e.g., pre-crime). 6104 W Pioneer Pkwy Ste 212Arlington, TX 76013, Proudly managed inthe great state of Texas. Do they have a valid reason to be there? As Consterdine argues in his Manual of Close Protection Training, good surveillance drills begin not with techniques but with an attitude of mind. If you would like to know more about Mitie Intelligence Services, please complete this form and we will contact you. Possible violations of non-compete agreements in business relationships can spark investigations. Easy-peasy! Counter Surveillance (CS) Counter surveillance is a follow-up measure that is taken only after hostile surveillance has been detected. Or are you limited with both and want to expose those conducting surveillance on you and your principal? Im sure everyone wants to dive right into how you can ditch a tail and other counter surveillance techniques, but before you can do that you have to have a understanding how the surveillance process works. The goals are to trick the attacker and prevent the attack by ending or thwarting the surveillance. Advanced bugs can be remotely operated to switch on and off, and some may even rapidly switch frequencies according to a predetermined pattern in order to make location with sweepers more difficult. It is your day off and you have lots oferrands to run. Relationship insecurities can bring you unwanted attention fromthe private industry. theft of financial, personal or corporate data). WIRED, 3 Feb. 2023 That day, Rhodes attracted the attention of a US Capitol Police A bug that has run out of power may not show up during a sweep, which means that the sweeper will not be alerted to the surveillance. Another superficial but exciting debate is if Anti fits the etymology for ongoing SD operations (preventive or reactive) rather than Counter. Same debate in, -terrorism. You know, that point in the story that madeyou stop and think, DO SOMETHING! How many opportunities did you have to stop or preventthe robbery? The signs were there that someone was watching you as another personor group of persons broke into your house. Surveillance Detection is a series of techniques that you can employ to identify if you are being followed. Broadly speaking, anti-surveillance comprises passive and active approaches. Surveillance detection is using countermeasures to deny them information during the selecting and collecting phases. You realize youve been robbed in broad daylight. All rights reserved, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). Technology for understanding the digital world and mitigating electronic threats. They dont look out of place in almost any situation. Learning to recognize anomalies is the fast track to securing your life. A typical surveillance combines the following chain of events: 1. If youre sharp you should be able to pick out that odd person that just doesnt fit. The Kepler Cardigan from PDW: Versatile Adventurer Insulation. Recent Examples on the Web Tannehill says that countersurveillance measures for spy balloons would typically include physically moving equipment or personnel out of sight, rearranging equipment, and if possible, jamming the balloon's sensors. One crucial field consideration is that solo practitioners can perform surveillance detection (SD) too. By looking for 1) people, 2) objects, and 3) behavior that deviates from what you expect to be normal for that time and location, you will be able to squirrel out much more than just surveillance. anti surveillanceanti surveillance techniquescounter surveillancecounter surveillance techniquescounter surveillance tipsdiy counter surveillancehow to counter surveillancehow to spot surveillance. Besides taps and bugs, specialized shotgun mikes can pick up your voice from a distance of up to 300 feet. Sorry. This RF detector, otherwise known as a bug detector, is an all-around excellent device for locating and pinpointing modern wireless bugging devices. Surveillance Detection is a series of techniques that you can employ to identify if you are being followed. Doesthis sound like it could apply to you? While someone parked outside your neighborhood or place of work who is watching your comings and goings is true surveillance, so is someone following you in a car or on foot. If so, wed love to have you as a Crew Leader by joining our annual membership! Of course, the best plan goes out the window when the bullets start to fly, but you will greatly enhance your (and your families) chances of coming out alive. Counter surveillance is a technique used to detect and recognize ongoing surveillance to develop suitable countermeasures. We explore the different countersurveillancemethods available including technical, cyber and structural measures. Thanks to the generosity of our supporting members and occasionally earning money from qualifying purchases as an Amazon Associate, (when you click our Amazon links) weve eliminated annoying ads and content. Theyve learned through on the job training from others moreskilled than they are. As you are pulling out of your driveway, you notice acar parked on the side of the street. Make more than one circuit at roundabouts. Employing passive or active approaches to surveillance will depend entirely on your overall goal. As you areexiting the building at one of your stops,you notice a vehicle parked near yoursthat you recognize from the last stop. Now it is time to learn how to stop them in their tracks,foil their plans, and be a ghost they cant follow. Perhaps one of the neighbors is getting picked up for work? WebHow can you tell if someone is following you?First of all, make sure you are doing the basic check to see if you are being followed. WebTo counter these, techniques such as simply being situation-aware and avoiding certain locations can be sufficient to counter the threat of surveillance. There is a common sequence of events that takes place during surveillance: Surveillance is also used to confirm your arrival immediately prior to an attack. Infact, a unique deep scratch in the paint ofthe strange vehicle is what caught yourattention the first time, and this is certainlythe same vehicle. Sources of Unwanted Attention Keep in mind you can still be picked up when you arrive at work or the last choke point on your route. WebCounter surveillance techniques are intended to combat the harmful impact of surveillance tactics.
March 11, 2023