“We won’t discuss anything confidential…”
“We have nothing to hide…”
These are lines we often hear from potential clients discussing why they think TSCM inspections are not that necessary. It’s often after something gets leaked that people really start to worry.
Here is an example of a private conversation that quickly went viral. The video was posted on Mets.com before they realized that it contained private conversations not intended for the public. It was discovered by sports fans and journalists.
Mets fan and aspiring sports journalist Nick Albicocco stumbled across it on the team’s website as he searched for the status of Thursday’s game.
“I found the video on Mets.com when I went to look for an update on whether they would play tonight,” Albicocco, a 20-year-old diehard Mets fan, told The Post. “It was sitting on their home page for who knows how long. When I heard [Van Wagenen’s comments,] I couldn’t believe it.” -NYPost
While the video camera in this case was not a covert installation, the incident does point out the need for confidentiality and the ability to have private conversations that you know are secure, and what can happen when recordings are leaked.
The video was also tweeted out by sports columnist Jeff Passan.
An apology may be too late
Once information has “left the building” it is very hard (…impossible?) to get it back.
Brody Van Wagenen attempted an apology: “They discussed the challenges of rescheduling the game. Jeff proposed an idea of playing the game an hour later. I misunderstood that this was the Commissioner’s idea. In actuality, this was Jeff’s suggestion. The players had already made their decision so I felt the suggestion was not helpful. My frustration with the Commissioner was wrong and unfounded. I apologize to the Commissioner for my disrespectful comments and poor judgement…”
COO Jeff Wilpon’s reply read: “To clear up any misunderstandings, it was my suggestion to potentially look into playing the game later because of scheduling issues. Brody’s misunderstanding of a private conversation was and is inexcusable. We fully respect our players and the Marlins players decision to not play tonight and appreciate the sincerity…”
Audio/Video Vulnerabilities
Venues are frequently swept prior to management meetings, product announcements, and other confidential gatherings, but it is important to always be aware of the vulnerabilities found in the AV equipment.
Prior to contracting an AV vendor, be sure to discuss with them the need for privacy. The production company should be able to provide encrypted wireless mics and ensure that their staff understands the concerns on how to process any recordings.
Encrypted communications does not just apply to the presenters’ microphones, it also must be considered for other communications equipment such as any audience Q&A mics as well as the production team headset systems- they are usually transmitting constantly throughout the event to allow the crew to talk with each other, but they pick up all sounds from the event as well.
AV and production equipment can often be the source of significant information leaks.