NIST 800-53 REV 5 • RISK ASSESSMENT
RA-6 — Technical Surveillance Countermeasures Survey
Employ a technical surveillance countermeasures survey at {{ insert: param, ra-06_odp.01 }} {{ insert: param, ra-06_odp.02 }}.
CMMC Practice Mapping
No direct CMMC mapping
NIST 800-171 Mapping
No direct NIST 800-171 mapping
Related Controls
No related controls listed
Supplemental Guidance
A technical surveillance countermeasures survey is a service provided by qualified personnel to detect the presence of technical surveillance devices and hazards and to identify technical security weaknesses that could be used in the conduct of a technical penetration of the surveyed facility. Technical surveillance countermeasures surveys also provide evaluations of the technical security posture of organizations and facilities and include visual, electronic, and physical examinations of surveyed facilities, internally and externally. The surveys also provide useful input for risk assessments and information regarding organizational exposure to potential adversaries.
Practitioner Notes
Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM) surveys detect unauthorized electronic surveillance devices — bugs, hidden cameras, rogue wireless access points — in sensitive areas. This applies primarily to facilities handling classified information.
Example 1: For spaces where classified or sensitive discussions occur, schedule periodic TSCM sweeps using qualified personnel with spectrum analyzers, non-linear junction detectors, and physical inspection capabilities. Document each sweep with date, location, equipment used, and findings.
Example 2: Implement continuous RF monitoring in your most sensitive spaces using commercial TSCM monitoring systems that alert when unexpected radio frequency emissions are detected. Supplement electronic monitoring with physical security measures like access control and visual inspections of the space before sensitive meetings.