GSM Threat
In recent years the biggest threat and advance in eavesdropping technology has been in the area of GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) devices.
These devices use the mobile telephone infrastructure and technology to relay room audio to an eavesdropper in a remote location. The global nature of the mobile telephone network is such that a device planted in a boardroom in London can be monitored from any location in the world with a telephone connection either landline, cellular or Skype.
GSM based technology has made eavesdropping easier than ever
GSM based eavesdropping technology has also improved, the early devices were no more than modified mobile phone with poor sound quality due to the fact that the bandwidths available to the GSM system were very narrow. In addition the microphones used on these phones were designed to pick up audio from close range and were not suited for picking up room audio from a general area. However an increase in bandwidth on the mobile telephone network, improved stability and the advent of 3G services coupled with advances in microphone and device technology has improved the quality of the audio available from these devices immeasurably. GSM bugging devices can now pick up usable room audio within a 5 metre radius of the listening device.
GSM audio devices also have the advantage of some advanced features that are available to agents carrying out unauthorised audio surveillance. The new generation GSM bugging devices can have incorporated into their design, a range of features that enables the device to inform the eavesdropper when the room or area being monitored is occupied. Motion and Vibration detection, audio sensing circuits, light sensing circuits within the GSM bug can detect the presence of persons within then target area and send an SMS text message to the eavesdropper simply saying “Room Occupied.”
The person carrying out the surveillance then knows to phone into the GSM device and monitor or record the audio being relayed from the GSM listening device. New generation GSM bugging devices also have the facility of multi-switchable microphone inputs. A device could be installed above an office false ceiling and microphones run to locations above up to 4 meeting rooms/offices. The eavesdropper then has the ability via DTMF (keypad tones) to switch between microphones selecting audio from a number of different locations.
These devices can be either battery powered or where more permanent operation is required GSM audio surveillance devices can be wired directly into a permanent mains power source such as lighting or access control. QCC Interscan has recently uncovered battery and permanent wired GSM based eavesdropping devices in the UK and overseas. GSM based bugging devices are quite hard to detect and the signals can be often lost amongst legitimate GSM and mobile phone communications especially in urban areas.
Detecting and locating GSM based listening devices
QCC Interscan has had much success in detecting and locating GSM based eavesdropping devices and uses bespoke technical and physical search procedures to identify, confirm and locate the presence of GSM based bugging devices, in all radio and physical environments.
GSM eavesdropping devices with the features described above typically cost between £100 and £800 and are widely available in the UK and overseas through shops, mail order or internet companies.
Incident Response - Act Now
Act now if you suspect that you are under surveillance.
1. Cease all sensitive communications.
2. Remove yourself from the target area
3. Call QCC Interscan from a payphone on +44 0207 205 2100
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