Bug Sweeper

RacyRed

Has anyone on here ever employed a bug sweeper to check their home for electronic listening devices?

What does this entail and how long is it likely to take (for a large, extended 3 bed semi for instance?) Does anyone have any idea what the likely costs would be? What guarantees are given that the work has been competently carried out if the sweep proves to be (hopefully) negative?

I cannot go into detail but there are very good reasons for thinking this is necessary. So I would really appreciate advice on what this really involves and how to go about finding a reputable firm who handle domestic property.

Thanks

RacyRed

Anyone?

Has no-one on here every been concerned about their every conversation being overheard?

The person I'm asking this for is genuinely worried, and has good reason to be. The situation they are in means a very substantial sum of money could be at risk if they are being overheard.

But where do we start trying to put this right?

Do the DIY scanners you see advertised work?

pimento

Maybe they could run the vacuum cleaner before they have a sensitive conversation like in that Tom Cruise film The Firm.

gmang

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=36653

£15 at maplin (and elsewhere too I'm sure).

RacyRed

Thanks! I'd not thought of places like Maplin! I'll see if it has been reviewed at all.

dragon47

I've not looked into this subject in detail but you will probably find that all domestic bug sweepers work by detecting a signal that is being transmitted wirelessly. However bugs can piggy back a signal over any cable even when that cable is being used for something else. If there are any cables connecting the property with the outside world they will be insecure. E.g. telephone, electricity, cable TV…

Also it's possible to overhear conversations through the tiny vibrations the sounds make in the windows. These can be picked up (without bugs) from the house across the street.

RacyRed

dragon47 wrote: »

Also it's possible to overhear conversations through the tiny vibrations the sounds make in the windows. These can be picked up (without bugs) from the house across the street.

Now that is really, really scarey :eek:

keith969

The Maplin thing should pick up any wireless bugs. Of course if you find and remove them, whoever's bugging the place will know.

If you think the place is bugged, be careful about other things e.g. they could have bugged any PCs to monitor email etc.

RacyRed

keith969 wrote: »

The Maplin thing should pick up any wireless bugs. Of course if you find and remove them, whoever's bugging the place will know.

If you think the place is bugged, be careful about other things e.g. they could have bugged any PCs to monitor email etc.

Good point! We will have to work out how we check that, maybe if we open the PC cases we may be able to spot anything odd.

Thanks

keith969

If they could gain physical access to your PCs (which they probably can if they have been in to plant wireless bugs) then they can install software to allow them to remotely monitor email, keystrokes etc. Basically don't allow any confidential data on a PC.

27col

Are you sure that you are not just paranoid? Anyone who bugged my house would rapidly fall asleep with boredom.