Do other companies sweep for bugs?

Yes, and for some chilling reasons too.

Over the past 30+ years, the majority of our clients integrated advanced electronic eavesdropping audits into their regular security program. The bulk of this changeover occurred in the late 1980's for three interesting reasons...

1. It became clear that information theft was acceptable in other parts of the world, and becoming "acceptable" here as well.

2. Eavesdropping technology became inexpensive. Micro video spy cameras which transmit picture and sound wirelessly, and can fit on your thumb cost less than $100. !!! (See for yourself.)

3. Many of the new communications technologies contain features which allow any user to eavesdrop. Examples... hands-free intercom, auto-answer, barge-in / executive override, microphone mute buttons, silent ringers, etc.

4. Instituting the "sweep" schedule was often done at the behest of General Counsels. They were concerned that not addressing this portion of the information security issue would be viewed as negligence by stockholders.

These days, it is rare to find a company which does not have some type of program for defense against electronic eavesdropping. This trend is reflected in business journal feature stories, and news reports, about increased spying.

Interestingly, quite a few of the eavesdropping problems we solve involve employees spying on their employers.