Knowledge base

Knowledge base on technical security

Practical background to technical security examinations: what we look for in an electronic security survey, what a sweep can and cannot establish, and which frameworks are relevant. Written for directors, security officers and buyers who want to base a decision on facts rather than on sentiment.

• What is an electronic security survey?

  An electronic security survey, in the Netherlands called an Elektronisch Veiligheidsonderzoek (EVO) and internationally a TSCM sweep, is a technical counter-espionage examination of a room or object for planted eavesdropping and observation devices.

• What a sweep can and cannot establish

  A sweep gives a methodically substantiated picture of what is present and detectable within the agreed scope and at the time of the examination.

• Threat profiles: why the distinction matters

  A threat profile records in advance which actors realistically have an interest in the information discussed or processed in a room, what capabilities they have, and what access they can obtain on site or remotely.

• What ABRO and the Dutch Cybersecurity Act (NIS2) require

  The ABRO and the Dutch Cybersecurity Act both set security requirements, but from a different starting point.

• How do you choose a provider for EVO or TSCM examination?

  You do not judge a provider of electronic security surveys (EVO), TSCM sweeps or technical counter-espionage examination on the outcome alone.

• Publicly known cases

  Technical surveillance mostly stays out of sight and rarely becomes public.