Charles Patterson, Author at Exec Security TSCM - Page 11 of 19

About Charles Patterson

Charles Patterson is the president, CEO, and primary consultant of Exec Security TSCM. He began working in the security field in 1978 in executive protection and related technical security services. He has been providing TSCM sweeps since 1995.

Tech watch: Fans transmitting data from air-gapped computers

Researchers at Ben Gurion University have published a paper regarding their experiments transmitting data from an air-gapped computer to a smartphone in the same room. They were able to inject malware into the computer that used the noise from the cooling fans in the computer to transmit binary data to a remote microphone.

From the research paper:

…we present Fansmitter, a malware that can acoustically exfiltrate data from airgapped computers, even when audio hardware and speakers are not present. Our method utilizes the noise emitted from the CPU and chassis fans which are present in virtually every computer today. We show that a software can regulate the internal fans’ speed in order to control the acoustic waveform emitted from a computer. Binary data can be modulated and transmitted over these audio signals to a remote microphone (e.g., on a nearby mobile phone). We present […]

Charles Patterson2016-07-07T22:15:40-04:00July 7th, 2016|

History: Caversham Park-End of an era for BBC listening station

This bit of history just in from BBC news, bbc.com,

BBC monitoring — BBC Monitoring began in 1939 as an operation to allow the British government to access foreign media and propaganda during World War Two

For nearly 75 years BBC staff at a sprawling stately home on the outskirts of Reading have been listening in to some of the world’s most seismic events, from the rise of the Nazis to the death of Stalin and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Since 1943 Caversham Park has been the home of BBC Monitoring, whose offices still summarise news from 150 countries in 100 different languages for the BBC.

But after a £4m funding cut, the remaining journalists, academics and translators are to leave […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:32-05:00July 7th, 2016|

Future TSCM tool? Walabot uses RF to see inside walls.

Walabot is a sensor that looks into objects using radio frequency signals.

It comes in three versions, Starter Kit, Maker, and Pro ($150, $300, and $600 respectively). It seems that the company doesn’t quite know what to do with it yet, they are reaching out to the robotic and maker community for ideas and apps. TSCM certainly seems like a practical use, but it will require someone to develop the software.

The boards use multiple antennas that transmit and receive microwave signals then reconstruct a three dimensional “image” of the environment. The Starter Kit board has only 3 antennas, Maker version has 15, and the Pro board has 18 antennas.

Walabot Pro version with case

The Walabot “sees” behind walls but the only smartphone app available at this time just gives you a vague idea of whether there is a pipe or […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:32-05:00June 28th, 2016|

Jobs lost over eavesdropping

Recent news points to the need to have clear company policies regarding eavesdropping and listening devices. Educate your employees that eavesdropping is illegal.

Illinois tech director arrested on eavesdropping charges

Law enforcement officials in Knox County, Ill. earlier this week arrested a longtime IT employee of Abingdon-Avon School District #276 on electronic eavesdropping charges in connection with a recent data breach, according to local reports.

The Register-Mail has reported that Mark Rogers, the district’s technology director, surrendered himself on Wednesday and was subsequently arrested on three felony eavesdropping charges. Another report by KWQC elaborated that Rogers is accused of using a webcam to secretly record a private conversation without permission.

KWQC also confirmed that the arrest ties into a data breach that occurred in January, was publicly disclosed in May, and included allegations of changing grade-point averages and tampering with emails.

“The charges are all eavesdropping,” said Rogers’ attorney Elisa Nelson, the Register-Mail article reports. “There was not […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00June 26th, 2016|

Corporate espionage by former employees

Recent industrial espionage concerns hit two major US corporations. Both IBM and Monsanto allege that former employees stole proprietary computer files and programming code that ended up in the hands of the Chinese.

Information is the most valuable asset of corporations today and they must take steps to protect it. Along with checking their computers, TSCM sweeps should also be considered anytime there is suspicion that a former or current employee might be involved in espionage.

From www.nasdaq.com

Monsanto Co. sued a former computer programmer, alleging he stole proprietary files after resigning to explore a job at a Chinese seed company.

The lawsuit comes as the agriculture industry’s embrace of high-tech software and analytics, led by big companies like Monsanto and Deere & Co. as well as startups, has opened up new risks. Monsanto in 2014 confirmed a security breach in one of its servers, […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00June 22nd, 2016|

International Spy Museum new location underway.

Construction fences are up and site work is underway for a new and expanded International Spy Museum (SPY) in the nation’s capital. Preparations recently began as SPY and The JBG Companies reached agreement to relocate the Museum to a newly constructed building at L’Enfant Plaza—between the National Mall and the Southwest Waterfront’s Wharf. This new facility will serve as an immediate and multi-faceted catalyst for transformation—not only for SPY, but also for the L’Enfant Plaza and 10th Street, part of the long-term vision for the Southwest Eco district.

Future Spy Museum at L'Enfant Plaza Future Spy Museum at L’Enfant Plaza

“The International Spy Museum has long been a destination for residents and visitors, finding innovative ways to keep us connected with our past,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser. “The new Spy Museum will be a welcome addition to Southwest as we […]

Charles Patterson2016-06-16T20:12:03-04:00June 16th, 2016|

Political eavesdropping, from municipalities to nations

Political privacy concerns abound. Recent articles point to eavesdropping concerns in a small municipality's board of education as well as on the national scale in Brazil.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00June 16th, 2016|

Eavesdropping and bugging the analog way- …picking up good vibrations. New research taps into tiny motors.

Researchers at the University of Illinois have now discovered that they can record the voltages present on the small vibration motors that exist in many high tech devices then reconstruct audio from the location of the device. Phones, toys, watches, and many IoT (Internet of Things) devices all may contain vibration motors. Of course, you would need access to the motor to be able to monitor the voltage, so phones and watches may not be that susceptible to covert monitoring, but with new devices appearing everyday, the old threat of picking up good vibrations could be making a comeback.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00June 9th, 2016|

Eavesdropping software spots patterns humans miss.

Machine-learning system looked at the waveform of the voice data – its pattern of spikes and troughs – rather than the audio recording directly. It detected thing that humans missed.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00June 2nd, 2016|

TSCM Threat: Wireless Camera not detectable by RF or Thermal

When performing a sweep and searching for hidden or covert cameras, two tools that are frequently used are thermal imaging and radio signal analysis. During a recent inspection we came across a unique wireless camera system. The thing that makes these cameras different from other wireless covert cameras is that these are not detectable by rf inspection, wifi detection, or by thermal imaging.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00May 28th, 2016|

Trade Secrets and the Need for TSCM, eavesdropping detection sweeps

Protecting trade secrets and confidential information is key to the success of all corporations. Recently a new bill introduced by Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah and Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., was signed into law by President Obama. This law is aimed at allowing businesses to sue in federal court for trade secret theft. Such lawsuits previously were left to state courts. TSCM inspections and sweeps are an important step for identifying conversations and meetings as confidential, and that the information being discussed is a trade secret.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00May 20th, 2016|

Alabama Governor in trouble after bugging recording released.

Yes, bugging is illegal, but the eavesdroppers may not face punishment. Release of the recordings can cause damage as Alabama Governor Robert Bently found out.
MONTGOMERY, AL (WTVM.com)
Audio clips of Alabama Governor Robert Bentley are at the center of a scandal involving him and former senior political advisor Rebekah Mason. He's denied having a physical affair with Mason, but the damage is done.

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:33-05:00April 16th, 2016|

Episcopal bishop fires officials after discovery of bugging devices

Discovery of attempted eavesdropping has repercussions beyond the loss of information. Maintaining a “safe and healthy” workplace environment is important in a corporation. Two officials of the Episcopal Church were fired due to misconduct connected to the discovery of bugging devices at a meeting of their Executive Council. This entailed a four month legal investigation as well as bringing in a human resources company to carry out an audit of the workplace.

Report from “Church Times, the world’s leading Anglican newspaper“, 4/14/2016

TWO of the most senior officials in the Episcopal Church in the United States have been terminated, and a bishop demoted, after an independent investigation into misconduct.

Last December, the Presiding Bishop, the Most Revd Michael Curry, placed the chief operating officer, Bishop Stacy Sauls, the deputy chief operating officer, the director of mission, Samuel McDonald, and the director of public engagement and mission communications, Alex Baumgarten, on administrative leave after many […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:34-05:00April 14th, 2016|

Exec Security TSCM Update- new website, new look!

We have updated our website and newsletter emails here at Exec Security.
Feel free to report any issues or send us comments at info@execsecurity.com.
We hope you continue to enjoy our news updates. Thanks for subscribing!

Charles Patterson, President, Exec Security TSCM Technical Services

Charles Patterson2016-04-15T10:53:59-04:00April 10th, 2016|

Covert video: not just voyeurs. Should you be concerned?

There are frequent reports of hidden video cameras found in locker rooms, restrooms, and other private locations. This is a serious issue, but there are many ramifications that should also be considered from the corporate viewpoint.

Erin Andrews won a $55 million lawsuit against the Nashville Marriott after a hotel guest took video of her through the hotel door peephole. You can be sure Marriott is reviewing their security policies and procedures after that incident. [more]

reverse peephole viewer

The Transocean Deepwater oil rig is in deep water, also facing a law suit, after a cheap covert video device, disguised as a coat hook, was found in a female employee’s sleeping quarters. [more]

brickhouse_security_coat_hook_w_coat_hook_hidden_camera_1417036842000_1071061

The former IT director of the Town of Davie, FL, had a video camera and microphone hidden in a small alarm clock in […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:34-05:00April 6th, 2016|

Is your thermos leaking? Hong Kong University, concerned about bugging, takes on a tea drinker.

Are you concerned about information security at your meetings? Hong Kong University is taking it seriously, asking all attendees to hand in their cell phones and watching what else they may have brought in very carefully.

Concerned about a possible bug, a man was asked to pour tea out of his thermos at a contentious council meeting to demonstrate that there really was a drink inside it.

Previous information leaks had taken place even after they implemented a no cell phone policy at the meetings.

It’s good to be cautious, checking a thermos is not a bad idea. A number of recording devices are readily available in the form of mugs and thermoses and probably any other item you can think of.

Video and audio recorder built into thermos mug.

More information on the Hong Kong incident is available from the South China Post:

A man […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:34-05:00February 25th, 2016|

What does a hidden camera cost? Maybe $75 million.

Hidden cameras are reported frequently. Should a business or organization be concerned? Yes! The lawsuits that can result from discovery of such devices can be in the millions. Celebrities, CEO’s, other high profile individuals could be victims of electronic stalkers. From hotel rooms to corporate offices, let us know if you desire a confidential inspection of your facilities.

Fox host seeks $75m in damages from hotel after man was able to put a hidden camera in her room

Fox Sports host Erin Andrews is seeking $75 million in damages after a man rigged a camera in her hotel room and posted videos of her changing clothes online.

Ms Andrews was stalked by Michael David Barrett, who fixed a camera to the peephole in her hotel room door in 2008, according to the Washington Post.

The current Fox College Football host is requesting damages for emotional distress and invasion of privacy from […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:34-05:00February 24th, 2016|

Netherlands: Security Service caught spying on lawyers 13 times.

Intelligence and security service AIVD unjustly spied on communications between lawyers and clients 13 times between February 2014 and March 2015, according to the annual report by the CTIVD, the committee responsible for supervising the Dutch intelligence and security services, RTL Nieuws reports.

In July last year a court in The Hague ruled that the AIVD must stop eavesdropping on confidential conversations between lawyers and their clients if there is no direct danger to national security. The AIVD did not meet these requirements in 13 of its eavesdropping cases.

AIVD office in Zoetermeer

The AIVD also spied on detailed discussions related to an individuals sex life in one investigation. In another investigation the security service eavesdropped on a non-target in order to approach the person with foreknowledge. The CTIVD found both incidents unjustified and unlawful.

Due to an “intensification of […]

Charles Patterson2016-12-16T20:23:34-05:00February 10th, 2016|