The new year began with a significant Technical Surveillance Counter Measures (TSCM) sweep for a major organisation operating across multiple city locations. As expected, the initial focus was on conference and meeting rooms—high-risk spaces due to their frequent use by third-party visitors and the highly sensitive nature of discussions taking place within them.
While TSCM sweeps often uncover serious vulnerabilities, this inspection stood out for a different reason: the client’s proactive approach to safeguarding privacy, security, and reputation. From the outset, it was evident the organisation prioritised a culture of vigilance, supported by strong internal collaboration.
For organisations handling sensitive information, protecting it isn’t just a security measure—it’s essential for maintaining trust and reputation. A robust TSCM policy should form part of routine operations, but the foundation of effective security lies in getting the basics right—policies, procedures, and everyday practices that significantly reduce vulnerabilities. This client exemplified that perfectly.
Here are six key areas where the client excelled:
-Robust physical security and access control: Secure entry points and rigorous access management ensured only authorised personnel could access sensitive areas.
-Standardised meeting spaces: Conference and meeting rooms were meticulously organised, with no unnecessary clutter that could inadvertently create opportunities for surveillance devices to be hidden.
-Proactive staff training: Regular training sessions equipped employees with the knowledge to identify unusual activity and reinforced the importance of following protocols.
-Policy-driven visitor management: A clear and strictly enforced visitor policy, including logging and escorting guests, minimised potential vulnerabilities.
-Integrated security planning: Security was prioritised at board level, forming part of risk planning. Annual sweeps and ongoing advice were requested, with visible reminders around the building phrased to encourage collaboration and understanding.
-Regular internal audits: Scheduled compliance reviews ensured policies and procedures were consistently followed, enabling early detection and mitigation of vulnerabilities.
This collaborative, forward-thinking approach ensured a smoother inspection process and left the organisation well-prepared to tackle evolving security challenges. Safeguarding sensitive information is inseparable from protecting reputation.
At Valkyrie, security is about more than solving problems—it’s about preserving privacy, trust, and reputation. With the right mindset and a united team effort, organisations can stay ahead of evolving threats.
