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.

TSCM Sweep discovers bugging device that had been in place for two years- Ghana

A look into the anatomy of a bug. Reports reveal that a bugging device was found installed in a Coat of Arms plaque in the office of the Ghana Lands and Natural Resources Minister. A previous occupant of the office claimed to have installed the bugging device over two years ago for his own security, but for the past two years the office was occupied by someone else who was unaware of the bug's existence. A new minister who took office in January, 2017,  had the TSCM sweep performed that found the bug.

2017-07-12T23:11:21-04:00July 12th, 2017|
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Battery-free cell phone device could lead to long lasting bugs.

One of the challenges that eavesdroppers have faced over the years is being able to provide long lasting power to their devices. Researchers at the University of Washington have developed what they call a battery-free cell phone. For power, the unit can use ambient light and radio "backscatter" supplied by a base station up to 50 feet away.

2017-07-07T19:44:01-04:00July 7th, 2017|
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Discovery of recording device leads to multiple charges against Canadian soldier

from CBC.ca May, 2017

A soldier at the Canadian military base in Oromocto, N.B., is facing several charges, including sexual assault, voyeurism and possession of child pornography, after electronic devices and videos were seized from his former residence near Washington, D.C., in February.

The charges involve two alleged victims, members of the Canadian Armed Forces in Washington and Esquimalt, B.C., at the time of the alleged incidents, said Lamirande.

The charges stem from the Washington-area member’s discovery of a recording device at their private residence in January, said Lamirande.

Variety of covert cameras and common recording devices

Variety of common recording devices

“The victim reported discovery of the device to their chain of command and the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service was notified,” she said in an email.

When the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service investigated, the device “was linked to the accused,” said Lt. (Navy) Blake Patterson, public affairs officer for […]

2017-07-01T11:25:09-04:00July 1st, 2017|
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50 years of ATM fraud, and a holiday weekend… watch out for skimmers

This past week marks the 50 year anniversary of the Automated Teller Machine, and probably 50 years of fraud as well. Krebsonsecurity offers advice: You are far more likely to encounter ATM skimmers over the weekend when the bank is closed (skimmer thieves especially favor long holiday weekends when the banks are closed on Monday). Also, if you have the choice between a stand-alone, free-standing ATM and one that is installed at a fixed location (particularly a bank) opt for the fixed-location machine, which is typically more secure against physical tampering. Most ATM skimmer devices can still be foiled by simply covering the PIN pad while entering your PIN...

2017-07-01T10:10:17-04:00July 1st, 2017|
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SA Advocate suspended for ordering installation of listening device.

It doesn't take much to motivate someone to spy or eavesdrop. Spy devices are readily available to anyone with online access. Even those who should know better are willing to breach the privacy of others for their own benefit. Duty of care may require security sweeps be scheduled for law offices, accountants, and many other businesses who handle the confidential affairs of their clients. South Africa: Advocate Penny Hunt has been suspended from practicing as an advocate for six months. Judgment handed down on Tuesday that Hunt was responsible for instructing a surveillance technician, Houston Wayne Impey, to plant a “listening bug” in the ceiling of the advocates’ chambers. She was also accused of having a GPS tracking device attached to the car of a fellow advocate.

2017-06-30T09:43:48-04:00June 29th, 2017|
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Google to pull in the reins on email snooping.

Google to stop scanning Gmail for ad targeting

SAN FRANCISCO, June 24 — Google said yesterday it would stop scanning the contents of Gmail users’ inboxes for ad targeting, moving to end a practice that has fueled privacy concerns since the free email service was launched.

A Google statement said Gmail users would still see “personalized” ads and marketing messages but these would be based on other data, which may include search queries or browsing habits.

Google Cloud senior vice president Diane Greene said in a blog that the free Gmail service would now follow the same practices as its corporate G Suite Gmail.

“Consumer Gmail content will not be used or scanned for any ads personalization after this change,” Greene said.

“This decision brings Gmail ads in line with how we personalize ads for other Google products. Ads shown are based on users’ settings. Users can change those settings at any […]

2017-06-25T09:27:18-04:00June 25th, 2017|
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Corporate spying costs billions, can it be stopped? article from CNBC

If your company has valuable assets of any kind- be it information, technology, even your own valuable personnel- you can be sure there is a target on your back for someone who would like to either bring you down or at least take part of your value for themselves. Not all enemies are cyber hackers trying to break in to your computer network or people walking out with a thumb drive of documents. Many may be insiders already within your walls looking to intercept any piece of information or communications they could use for their own benefit. This information could include executive schedules, hiring and firing plans, new product development and timing, or anything else they could turn around and use against you or sell to a competitor.

2017-06-18T19:54:59-04:00June 18th, 2017|
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Concealed camera at animal shelter prompts sweep of other city facilities.

The recent discovery of a hidden camera in the city animal shelter won’t spur a criminal prosecution, authorities say, but is the subject of an ongoing internal inquiry, and it factored into the dismissal June 2 of longtime City Marshal Mike Harris. The discovery of the camera prompted a search of other city facilities, which turned up another concealed camera focused on an office/storage area doorway related to a specific loss prevention concern. 

2017-06-14T21:25:10-04:00June 14th, 2017|
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City official and town employee charged with eavesdropping

Employee guilty of eavesdropping? We are always warning our clients about this. Establish clear privacy policies, let everyone know, then check your work. With the proliferation of devices being sold, the temptation to eavesdrop is soaring (everybody wants to be a spy).

Regular proactive sweeps should be scheduled for all sensitive locations, and be wary of any suspicious activity in the workplace.

Here are accounts of two recent incidents of employee eavesdropping.

Henrietta, NY:

A Town of Henrietta employee has been accused of recording coworkers’ conversations.

Marlene Youngman, 57, of Henrietta was charged on May 3 with eavesdropping, a felony, and possession of an eavesdropping device, a misdemeanor, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.

Employees told Monroe County Sheriff’s deputies that when Youngman’s bag was jostled at work one day, a recording device tumbled out, said Sheriff’s Office spokesman Cpl. John Helfer. The device was reportedly actively recording at the time, he said. […]

2017-05-17T22:50:59-04:00May 17th, 2017|
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In the news: Toy hacked by 6th grader becomes spy device

Reuben Paul, 11, tells a conference that smart cars, fridges, lights and even teddy bears can be used to spy on or harm people. Plugging into his laptop a Raspberry Pi Reuben scanned the hall for available Bluetooth devices, and to everyone’s amazement including his own, suddenly downloaded dozens of numbers, including some of top officials. Then using computer language Python he hacked into his bear via one of the numbers to turn on one of its lights and record a message from the audience.

2017-05-17T18:48:59-04:00May 17th, 2017|
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Is communications interception ever legal?

Alpha Group Investigations recently posted: Thanks to Hollywood and TV Dramas like CSI, the average citizen might imagine a private investigator has the right to legally bug and wiretap anyone’s office or home. However, that is an incorrect and morally wrong picture of a reputable investigator. The laws in each State and Country, for what accounts for legitimate electronic surveillance, vary greatly. A good Private Investigator has a responsibility to both to protect his or her client from illegal electronic countermeasures and to abide by the privacy laws of the region.

2017-04-28T23:09:38-04:00April 28th, 2017|
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TSCM Electronic Security Sweeps for Law Firms and Their Clients

Sharon Nelson and John Simek, of Sensei Enterprises, host a monthly podcast called Digital Detectives on the Legal Talk Network. Their guest for March 2017 was Charles Patterson of Exec Security TSCM. They discussed electronic surveillance countermeasures and how electronic security sweeps can help ensure privacy for lawyers and their clients.

2017-04-07T10:09:41-04:00March 31st, 2017|
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