Many of us now take cybersecurity seriously by taping over our laptop video cameras, updating our account passwords and only logging on to secure Wi-Fi. But, what about eavesdropping? We rarely consider that someone may be eavesdropping on our conversations at work as we discuss confidential or sensitive information. However, it is more common than you think. You just need to be in proximity of a phone for someone to listen in.

While we might think things are secure, individuals, government and other organizations engaged in criminal or other illegal activities are transforming desktop phones into listening devices.

As a result, the National Telecommunications Security Working Group (NTSWG), formerly the Telecommunications Security Group (TSG), as part of the Committee of National Security Systems (CNSS) has issued CNSSI 5000/5001 directives to federal agencies to use secure phones, also known as TSG phones, to protect against audio eavesdropping from internal or external threats.

NITAAC CIO-CS contract holder Jeskell Systems, with its technology partner CIS Secure Computing, are here to help agencies and federal government contractors better understand these threats by providing TSG-approved secure phone solution pack bundles.

“Agencies need to take a more holistic approach to cybersecurity and it’s much broader than just protecting their data,” said Tony Celeste, Jeskell Vice President, Strategic Initiatives. “They need to protect their conversations about sensitive information as well.” The TSG phones reduce the risk of sensitive information getting into the wrong hands, provide effective countermeasures preventing eavesdropping and other exploitations of phones, and is compliant with current mandates and standards to protect controlled unclassified and classified information.

The capabilities for Jeskell TSG phones, include:

• Countermeasures preventing eavesdropping in environments with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI);

• Push-to-talk restrictions, disabled speakerphones, removed microphones, among other options;

• Approved for use in SCIF and SAPF environments. On-hook security features providing enhanced Hold and Mute security during calls and protection of speakerphone and headset ports;

• Compatibility with wired headsets but not approved for wireless headsets;
  
  USB positive disconnect for headsets, soft phones, and web cameras (i.e., Jabber, Skype, and Scopia) that includes an integrated time out feature with discreet logic that cannot be programmed or repro­grammed;

• Remote disabling of speakerphone available via tele­communications provider control application manag­er (e.g. Cisco Unified Communications Manager, Aura Call Control).
  
  Jeskell Systems is a small business committed to improving mission performance through IT modernization and digital transformation. Jeskell applies vast industry expertise to develop and deliver advanced solutions to specific IT challenges – enabling clients for mission success. By partnering with leading commercial systems, software and service providers, Jeskell integrates best-in-breed technologies into transformative IT solutions that reduce risk, lower costs and optimize IT effectiveness.