Eavesdropping threats

With information becoming increasingly accessible, anyone has the potential to become a commercial spy. The Internet provides a 24-hour gateway to thousands of websites providing in-depth instructions on which listening or ‘bugging' devices to purchase and effective deployment methods.

Recent quotes highlight the seriousness of the eavesdropping threat… “One London Company alone claims to have 4,500 regular customers and has taken 47,000 enquiries about listening devices within an 18 month period” SIP Services International.

“There is no challenge more ominous to global business competitiveness than economic espionage. Economic espionage is a growing threat to shareholder value with current losses estimated at $2 billion a month.” Thomas Donahue, President of the United States Chamber of Commerce.

There are an estimated 200,000 bugs and covert cameras sold in Britain every year.” Privacy International.

The US State Department estimated in 1997 “the total annual expenditure on equipment and operations for illegal eavesdropping operations to be over $2,213 million.”

Given the sensitive subject nature and the unwillingness of victims to admit eavesdropping has taken place, the real figures are likely to be much higher.

Eavesdropping devices - bugs

There is no doubt that electronic listening devices, commonly known as bugs, are actively being used throughout the world.

Specialist retail outlets, mail order catalogues and Internet Websites are home to a vast number of companies selling listening devices, some costing as little as a few tens of pounds. Even the most expensive of devices can be seen as inexpensive in comparison to the value of the information sought.

With technology becoming increasingly sophisticated, microphones can be found the size of match-heads and recording devices can take shape as everyday objects such as pens and wristwatches.

Mobile phones are such a part of everyday life they are rarely given a second thought, yet they are increasingly being used as listening devices and covert cameras. Many leading suppliers offer customised services allowing customers to choose virtually any object to conceal their device.

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