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09/07/2004 Archived Entry: "Better bug detectors"

GOT LOTS OF REPSPONSE TO YESTERDAY'S BLOG QUERY about whether a cheap, pocket-sized bug detector could do a useful job. The responses can all be summed up in one word: NO.

I'll share one of those detailed responses, this one from a ZipLipped freedom lover with bug-savvy credentials:

First I have experience in the security field working for various large companies dealing with things like Tempest room security. Relax, I don't work for the government. If anything, I consider myself to be a mercenary. LOL Well I took a look at [the pocket bug detector] and talked to a few co-workers and the consensus is that it is junk.

If you want a few items to use when looking for bugs then try these…

Electromagnetic Field Gaussmeter from Edmund Scientific. This little device is a very cheap version of what is used to detect the Electromagnetic (EM) signature from bugs. Remember if it is electric then it gives off EM radiation.

Pro Electricity Consumption Meter from Edmund Scientific. This will tell you if a device that you may suspect is bugged is using a little too much power. After all bugs have to use electricity too.

Oh, in case you are interested in what TEMPEST Security is then go to http://www.eskimo.com/~joelm/tempest.html

When I asked Our ZipLipped Friend's permission to blog the above info, he added:

[S]ure you can use the info I sent to you. Just remember that unfortunately the good equipment costs a heck of a lot more that thirty bucks. You get what you pay for.

Oh, for an even cheaper way to find bugs that sometimes works you can use a simple FM transistor radio. Slowly work your way up the dial while whistling. Sometimes when a cheep bug is being used you will hear yourself on the radio. Another trick is to use a portable TV in the same way. If you see yourself then there is a pinhole camera in use that is sending a signal that is not scrambled off site. Sometimes it works and sometimes it don't.

It's so good to have friends in deep, dark places. :-)

Posted by Claire @ 02:45 PM CST
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