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.

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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]

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The former IT director of the Town of Davie, FL, had a video camera and microphone hidden in a small alarm clock in her office. She may have just wanted to protect her office, but she is now under arrest. [more]

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What is a much more serious concern, though, was revealed after the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels. A raid on a home that may have been used to shelter the leader of the Brussels ISIS cell, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, turned up hours-long surveillance video of a senior Belgian nuclear official. [more: CNN] [more: NY Times] “experts and officials speculated that it could have been part of a plot to abduct the nuclear official… and force him to turn over radioactive material”.

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Outdoor surveillance camera disguised as cable pedestal.

 

This level of concern is not always recognized at the corporate level. Serious attacks against principles are almost always preceded by surveillance. The attackers will need intelligence to formulate their plan.  Surveillance countermeasures are critical in providing security for executives and all corporate assets. Surveillance can occur in many forms, but countermeasures against technical and electronic surveillance should be a high priority in all security programs.