Countermeasure Survey

WHAT TO EXPECT

What will a Countermeasures survey consist of?


A comprehensive countermeasure survey should begin with a tour of the facility or residence to be inspected and will consist of the following:

• Telephone Instrument Analysis

  The telephone instruments must be tested for devices and modifications that would allow the interception of room audio and telephone conversation. Electronic analysis must be performed using test equipment capable of activation and detection of active hook switch bypass devices. The telephone instruments should also be disassembled and inspected for possible devices and wiring modifications.

• Telephone Line Analysis

  The telephone lines must be electronically tested for devices and wiring modifications that would allow the interception of room audio and telephone conversations. Telephone line analysis with a TDR must also be performed to reveal the location of all wire irregularities, including splice points and junction blocks. Some sophisticated wire taps are electronically undetectable and will appear as a splice on a TDR. Each of these locations must be physically inspected to reveal possible devices and wiring modifications including attacks which may not be electronically detectable.

• Radio Frequency Spectrum Analysis

  An analysis of the RF spectrum in the areas surveyed covering a frequency range of 3 Khz to 2 Ghz (approx.) must be performed. These analyses must be conducted with one or more spectrum analyzers or countermeasures search receiver with a spectrum type display to detect all types of RF transmissions. The source of each signal must be resolved by determining that the signal is not emanating from the areas surveyed. Special techniques such as carrier current, subcarrier, and frequency hopping must also be addressed.

• Non-Linear Junction Analysis

  The areas inspected must be analyzed with a NLJD to detect all hidden clandestine devices including tape recorders, microwave transmitters, remote controlled transmitters, infrared or ultrasonic devices, as well as other non-linear junction devices that are possibly beyond the detection range of other test equipment.

• Physical Inspection

  A thorough physical search must be performed in the areas of concern for clandestine devices. All outlets, boxes, light fixtures and other containers and cavities must be inspected to determine validity of installation, detect concealed objects, and capability of concealing objects. Open, examine and test (when appropriate) all items, equipment, fixture artifacts to detect concealed objects or concealment capability. Particular attention to walls which are adjacent to other areas must also be given during the physical search.

• Technical Evaluation

  Technical evaluation of adjacent areas must be performed to test the level of audio conductance through walls, conduit, doors, windows, etc. into these outside areas. All wiring must be inspected and electronically tested for audio transmissions out of the areas inspected.