3.6 Exotic Spy Equipment
267
hand, can easily do it, providing full access to all the input information, including
the administrator’s password. As we know, computer does not understand letters or
digits: when we press a key, a decimal code is formed in the keyboard controller,
e.g., Enter corresponds to number 13, End–to number 35, etc. After recording the
sequence of number pressings, one can reproduce the entire text. This principle is
employed by keyloggers. In our case, it is all the same except for one difference:
most keyloggers can be identified by antiviruses, while software using the TEMPEST
channel remains undetected.
This method of data theft is not very popular, mainly due to specificity of equipment; however, its low popularity is its main weapon, since the methods of protection
from it are yet unavailable to most users. For security reasons, shielding of the system
unit from radio interference may be recommended: today, computers are produced,
the cases of which are covered with special coating preventing propagation of radiation. At the same time, it is necessary to use rigid cases with inside sound absorption
only, as insufficient rigidity of the computer will result in simulation of the radiation
by voice information; this means that you can set up a tapping device with your own
hands while installing a new computer at work.
In addition, it is necessary to follow regular safety measures: do not leave
the working computer unsupervised, use only licensed antiviruses with constantly
updated base, and never store files with information about passwords, phone numbers,
and administrator profiles on the hard drive.
3.6.3 Miniature Radio Beacons in Clothes and Boots
Figure 3.23 shows the simplest and fastest-to-assemble electronic circuit of a
miniature VHF radio beacon.
This circuit was developed in the USA over 40 years ago with the help of discrete
devices and employed two 555-type timers. The clock generator modulates the signal
generator, and the clock signal modulates the generator of the interference tone
(whistle). Without an antenna, the range of the device is 200 m; a small antenna can
increase this range up to 1–10 km. Due to the miniaturization of the components of
the oscillating circuit, the oscillator can operate in the two-meter range.
Another miniature VHF radio beacon, modulated by tone frequency of 1000 Hz,
is shown in Fig. 3.24.
Here, the RC harmonic oscillator creates modulation voltage with a frequency of
1000 Hz, while the field transistor-based VCO modulates the signal at its frequency
using the capacity diode. The VVC (in the original American circuit, TCG-610 is
used) with a blocking voltage of 4 V should have a capacity of about 6 pF. Its range
without an antenna is about 50 m.
Such radio beacons employing the more advanced SMD element base were widely
used by special services and criminal elements for introduction into the most common
household items (Figs. 3.25 and 3.26). The device shown in Fig. 3.25 can be equipped
267
hand, can easily do it, providing full access to all the input information, including
the administrator’s password. As we know, computer does not understand letters or
digits: when we press a key, a decimal code is formed in the keyboard controller,
e.g., Enter corresponds to number 13, End–to number 35, etc. After recording the
sequence of number pressings, one can reproduce the entire text. This principle is
employed by keyloggers. In our case, it is all the same except for one difference:
most keyloggers can be identified by antiviruses, while software using the TEMPEST
channel remains undetected.
This method of data theft is not very popular, mainly due to specificity of equipment; however, its low popularity is its main weapon, since the methods of protection
from it are yet unavailable to most users. For security reasons, shielding of the system
unit from radio interference may be recommended: today, computers are produced,
the cases of which are covered with special coating preventing propagation of radiation. At the same time, it is necessary to use rigid cases with inside sound absorption
only, as insufficient rigidity of the computer will result in simulation of the radiation
by voice information; this means that you can set up a tapping device with your own
hands while installing a new computer at work.
In addition, it is necessary to follow regular safety measures: do not leave
the working computer unsupervised, use only licensed antiviruses with constantly
updated base, and never store files with information about passwords, phone numbers,
and administrator profiles on the hard drive.
3.6.3 Miniature Radio Beacons in Clothes and Boots
Figure 3.23 shows the simplest and fastest-to-assemble electronic circuit of a
miniature VHF radio beacon.
This circuit was developed in the USA over 40 years ago with the help of discrete
devices and employed two 555-type timers. The clock generator modulates the signal
generator, and the clock signal modulates the generator of the interference tone
(whistle). Without an antenna, the range of the device is 200 m; a small antenna can
increase this range up to 1–10 km. Due to the miniaturization of the components of
the oscillating circuit, the oscillator can operate in the two-meter range.
Another miniature VHF radio beacon, modulated by tone frequency of 1000 Hz,
is shown in Fig. 3.24.
Here, the RC harmonic oscillator creates modulation voltage with a frequency of
1000 Hz, while the field transistor-based VCO modulates the signal at its frequency
using the capacity diode. The VVC (in the original American circuit, TCG-610 is
used) with a blocking voltage of 4 V should have a capacity of about 6 pF. Its range
without an antenna is about 50 m.
Such radio beacons employing the more advanced SMD element base were widely
used by special services and criminal elements for introduction into the most common
household items (Figs. 3.25 and 3.26). The device shown in Fig. 3.25 can be equipped