Electronic eavesdropping is not hard to do. Today eavesdroppers are not the fictional secret agent we're so familiar with, instead, it could be anyone.

How do they get away with it?

Today's technology has given modern day eavesdroppers a wide range of tools – all extremely hard to detect. Most are readily availble and some can be “home-made” from inexpensive parts found in any electronics store. The most commonly used devices are:

The Telephone Tap: The phone tap, while probably the most publicized eavesdropping method is also impractical for most industrial spying situations. Though this simple method is widely used in homes and offices, by wives, husbands and just about anyone that has free access to the location. Telephone systems can be compromised in many ways. The telephone handset on electronic phones can be utilized as a microphone (room bug) even when the phone is “on-hook”. FAX machines messages can be intercepted and diverted to an eavesdroppers FAX for reproduction.

Wired Microphones: These devices are most commonly used by law enforcement officials in criminal cases. They take much time and work to set up and require a listening post, making this method impractical for the corporate eavesdropper.

Tape Recorders: Miniaturization and ease of use makes tape recorders a ready tool for the commercial eavesdropper. They are easy to plant or hide in a briefcase, jacket pocket, and hand bag, almost anywhere. The new digital and tape recorders have long lasting batteries increasing their practically; voice and remote actuators prolong tape and battery life.

The RF Bug: RF bugs are miniature radio transmitters that broadcast over a preset frequency to the eavesdroppers' radio receiver. They are the most prevalent choice in corporate eavesdropping cases, because they aren't subject to the limitation of other methods. Thses devices are readily available and can be planted in seconds. Their listening post can be at a safe distance away. And because there are no wires, they can't be traced back to the eavesdropper.

Today, equipment is available to the general public that sniffs your environment for most of the eavesdropper's devices. Equipment that detects, locates devices, quickly and silently.