[comp.dcom.telecom] The "Sweep" Tone

fred@aficom.ocunix.on.ca (Fred Ennis) (04/02/91)

Scott Marshall recently gave a "sweep" number that he wrongly thought
would provide a "sweep" of the line for bugs or taps.

The "sweep" at that number is a sweep of frequencies, which you either
monitor on a scope or with a meter to check the frequency responsoe of
the line.

Since a search for bugs or taps on a line is also called a "sweep" we
can see how the "urban legend" got started.

Bottom line is that it's nearly impossible to detect a properly
installed legal wiretap.

The best you can do is just try to confuse whoever might be listening
in (grin).