Above level 9 exists a level of threat that is called "X-Level". This include seven (or more) sub-levels of threat.

The only time that a TSCM specialist will encounter this type of threat is from a client who has a limited understanding of technology, has watched too many X-File re-runs, is delusional, or paranoid.

In many cases the client is simply misinformed or has been the victim of an elaborate technology based hoax. In other cases there may be some type of borderline eavesdropping products that was in the media which works well in the lab but is virtually worthless in the field.

Xa) The first of the Level X threats is based on technology which is emerging, but has not quite made it out of the laboratory. Often this technology is snatched up by a government agency and never becomes widely available to the public. In other cases the technology makes it out of the lab, but is virtually impossible to provide to the public. While this technology, threat, or product is possible, it is quite expensive, or not practical for actual use as a surveillance method or device.

Xb) The second level involves simple misunderstanding or misrepresentation of modern technology. This occurs when the public is misinformed or misled by the media, or when too much science fiction gets mixed with modern science. In most cases it is simply a case of a non-technical person reading a technical article and drawing an inappropriate conclusion.

A prime example of this what is commonly called a "TEMPEST or Van Eck Intercept System". While it is possible to obtain a small amount of information via such methods the area of technology is grossly misrepresented by a host of con artists and snake oil salesman in an attempt to deceive the public (and make a quick buck).

Xc) The third type of threat involves technologies that are on the verge of discovery, or technologies that will be generally be available within the next five year period.

For example in 1990 the IRIDIUM satellite system (which can be used for an uplink for an eavesdropping device) would have been considered a level X threat with a subcategory of C. Once the system was partially function it became a level 2 threat. As the system was marketed to the public in later years it became a level one threat.

The next few levels of threat become a bit of a problem as no rational threat exists, but the client has convinced themselves that such a threat has been applied to them by a real or imaginary entity.

Often this delusion (or misunderstanding) has been caused by a victim actually being actively tormented by an eavesdropper using or abusing technology. In an attempt to rationalize how the attack is taking place the victim will often try to research how such a thing is done.

Often the victim turns to various media sources, articles, television shows, and movies and gain only a sensationalized, over hyped, un-scientific view of surveillance technologies and methods. (It's amazing how much bad information is out there).

Sadly, due to the inability of the victim to obtain legitimate information regarding surveillance or counter-surveillance their well intentioned research leads to convincing themselves that some type of irrational or improbable surveillance method or technology is being used against them.

Victims of technical surveillance (or technical harassment) usually believe a threat exists at a level quite a bit above the actual level found present. For example a subject who has been the victim of a $20 phone bug, or who has been covertly video taped becomes so terrorized that they start believing the CIA placed an classified eavesdropping or tracking beacon in a molar during their last root canal. In fact the CIA is not involved, but instead it is only a PI who installed a $20 phone bug at the request of an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend (for the purpose of harassment and terrorism).

A subject who claims a threat at this level should be considered very legitimate. The perceived threat should be discussed with them prior to offering a TSCM service to determine if it is simply a case of conducted audio signals, or of them carelessly using a cordless telephone phone. In other cases the victim is suffering from an actual physical ailment which mmics a technical attack (such as an ear infection causing ringing in the ears).

Xd-1) The first type of the X threats involves what is commonly referred to as "Pseudo-technology" and includes Microwave, RF, and Ultrasonic harassment products, anti-gravity products, HERF weapons, TEMPEST, space aliens at Area 51, red headed leprechauns, and other such fanciful tales of technology.

While the threat is technically possible the actual usage is limited to "academic curiosities only". Cute articles are often written about these topics, but for some reason the "demonstrations" never stand up to controlled scientific examination (such as the levitating car hoaxes, HERF guns, pocket sized laser weapons, or the palladium based super conducting reactor).

A subject who claims a threat at this level should be considered legitimate, but the perceived threat should be discussed with them prior to offering a TSCM service. This is done to dispel any myths or misconceptions they may have about technology. It is common for a legitimate threat to exist, but for the subject not to be able to articulate details of the except though media provided examples.

Xd-2) It is not uncommon for a subject to claim to be the victim of some type of government eavesdropping or of some type of technical harassment, but is unable to articulate why it is being done, or is unable (or unwilling) to articulate who is doing it.

The most common complaint is that the subject feels they are being harassed due to some secret knowledge they posses, or because some member of their family possess such knowledge. It is not uncommon for the subject to complain of being implanted during a smallpox vaccination or during some type of medical or dental procedure.

Generally the governments in the free world do not sneak around attempting to covertly "Lo-Jack" people (except in the movies and in spy novels).

While "off-the-books" covert eavesdropping is occasionally done by government agencies such instances are quite rare, and usually involve the subject having (or getting) an active security clearance.

Legitimate court authorized surveillance is another story, but despite what you may read in the newspapers or pulp magazine the U.S. government does not implant tracking devices or eavesdropping devices into people.

A subject who claims a threat at this level should be considered borderline legitimate, as their fears are often based in reality, and on an actual (but exaggerated) threat. Often the offending piece of technology is found to be a cordless telephone, wireless intercom system, or in some cases a covert video camera.

In many cases the victim is actually (but covertly) being actively stalked or is the victim of "video-voyeurism", and is subtlety picking up on warning signs (which they then incorrectly attribute to some covert government agency).

Xd-3) The third type of X level threat is similar to the previous level, but involves (non-existent) civilian based implant systems, or sophisticated methods of technical harassment (such as microwave energy guns).

Usage of such equipment or methods would leave evidence of bodily injury such as bleeding from the ears, damage to the sinus cavities, ultrasonic cell disruption, radiation burns, thermal RF burns, and so on.In reality a physician would be easily able to locate such a device on (or in) a patient during a routine physical. Subjects who claim to have a civilian or government based implant should first be examined by an appropriate medical professional.

Voo-Doo dolls, Gri-Gri's, gypsy curses, evil eyes, black magic, and other supernatural methods not withstanding there is very little one person can do using technology to another to actually cause then harm, pain, or sleeplessness to another without leaving considerable medical evidence of the mischief.

A subject who claims a threat at this level should first be evaluated for injury by a medical professional prior to any TSCM service being offered. It is possible that a leaky microwave oven is the culprit, or that some type of acoustical or ultrasonic harassment device is behind the problem.

Xd-4) Occasionally a subject will become convinced that they are the victim of tracking or eavesdropping by some type of alien implant which was given to them during an alien abduction. The evaluation of such implants (and subjects) should be restricted to appropriate medical professionals.

Xe) The final level of X threat includes hypothetical threats, or threats which could be possible, but no scientific evidence is yet available to confirm or deny that it actually exists.

At this level of threat the subject could be considered (and usually is) quite rational, but the TSCM specialist is unable to find a specific device. This is common in cases where and eavesdropping device has been turned off or has been removed prior to the sweep, but the client has firm (and legitimate) evidence concerning its usage.

This level of threat should be very carefully evaluated, as there may or may not be some type of eavesdropping device or method being used.

Level 1 - Common Consumer Products and Toys

Level 2 - Amateur and Consumer Communications Products

Level 3 - Amateur Eavesdropping Products

Level 4 - Restricted Professional Products

Level 5 - Professional "Spy Shop" Products

Level 6 - Professional "Title 3" Products

Level 7 - Signals Intelligence Products

Level 8 - Intelligence Agency Eavesdropping Threats

Level 9 - National Security Eavesdropping Threats

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