Phone hacking scandal in UK tabloid press triggers anti-surveillance boost

July 26, 2011 - PRLog -- Security industry estimates up to 5% of UK companies could be bugged

Revelations regarding phone hacking within the tabloid press have prompted firms to take a fresh look at their security procedures and in particular, ways of tackling illegal snooping, according to leading security glazing specialist, Advanced Glass Technology (AGT).

In the past month alone, Hertfordshire based AGT has seen a dramatic spike of over 120% in enquiries regarding anti-surveillance window film, as businesses grow increasingly concerned at the potential threat of electronic eavesdropping.

Latest research carried out by the Institute of Directors (IoD) found that its members believed they were at a greater risk than ever before of becoming victims of industrial espionage. Some 60% of directors had suffered from some form of corporate theft during their careers.

Martin Westney, Managing Director, AGT, says that the exponential advances in surveillance technology are making espionage a real problem for companies:

"The increased use of mobile phones has meant a corresponding increase in the potential for espionage.  Access to information is vital in highly competitive markets and just one piece of data or news can make all the difference in gaining an advantage. The availability of surveillance equipment on the internet has also exacerbated the issue, so it’s no wonder that corporate protection is now back on the radar.”

According to security industry estimates, £10m of bugging devices have now been sold in the UK with some bugs costing as little as £40 each. It is understood that these are in use within 5% of UK companies but due to their very nature, it’s impossible to quantify the cost of espionage to British business.

With the ability to turn a mobile phone into a covert listening device by enclosing an electronic bug within a battery, for example, the owner may never realise that they are being bugged.


Continued Westney:

“Businesses need to be mindful of their vulnerability. A meeting being held behind closed doors is not necessarily a private one any longer. Firms can take steps to reduce their exposure to illegal surveillance, however, which includes the installation of special window film that prevents any radio, infra-red or microwave penetration. This is known as ‘full spectrum protection’ and we anticipate this subject to be on boardroom agendas more in the coming months and years.”

Ends


Anti-surveillance window film supplied and installed by AGT mitigates all RF/IR wireless security threats. It prevents electronic eavesdropping from external sources and eliminates signal leakage from the following internal sources:
- Laptops
- Computer monitors
- PDAs
- Mobile Phones
- Wireless 802.xx
- Bugs/Surveillance
- Laser microphones
- EMI transmissions
- EMP threats

Established in 2009, AGT is a leading supplier and installer of anti-shatter, anti-surveillance and solar control film. Consultants to a number of embassies, Non-Governmental Organisations and private landlords in the UK, Middle East and India, AGT also offers installation with a range of specialist anchoring and edge retention systems for enhanced levels of protection, according to the client’s requirements.

With films starting at a thickness of 50 microns up to 450 microns, the multi-laminate polyester membrane can be applied to any glass surface. It is bonded with an aggressive pressure sensitive adhesive system resulting in any broken glass adhering to the film.

http://www.agt-int.com

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