Spear Phishing attacks that target victims by name have become a serious and sophisticated threat. The emails fabricated by spear phishers may be addressed to a C-level employee or appear to come from a trusted individual within an organization.

The spear phisher's modus operandi involves tricking the victim into clicking on a link leading to a bogus web site. This infected site will secretly install data logging software designed to record the victim's key strokes.

Once they have pirated information such as user names and passwords, spear phishers have been known to suck company bank accounts dry.

Here are just a few steps that you can take to protect yourself and your company from spear phishing;

• If your company does high value online banking transactions, limit those activities to a secured, stand alone computer that has no access to email or web browsing,
• Be suspicious of any emails requesting confidential information, and verify the request with the company or individual named in the email. Just clicking on a malicious web link can infect your computer,
• Use strong passwords.

Have some security tips of your own? Share them with our readers by clicking on the comments link below.

From remote locations to historic buildings, wireless technology allows us to meet logistical as well as aesthetic demands.

I've just added a new section to this site where readers can share their unique wireless applications. If you are facing a daunting security challenge, here is an opportunity to learn from your peers. If you have found an effective wireless solution or have an installation you are proud of, why not share that information? You can help a colleague out, and gain some free advertising in the process. Click here to go to the form.

One solution I've recently discovered is the DeWalt MobileLock. The MobileLock is a portable alarm system and GPS locator. Originally designed for construction site applications such as securing temporary trailers and heavy equipment, I'm convinced that this device will become a problem solver for many industries.

The MobileLock weighs about 9 ounces and can be attached to a flat surface by screws or magnets. It houses a vibration sensor, door contact and high and low temperature sensors. Its on-board GPS can tell you where your stolen property is hiding. And the MobileLock can contact you via email, cell phone or through your central station. Pretty slick.

"If there is one lesson we in the industry should take away from the events ... involving Northwest Airlines Flight 253 it is that no matter how advanced the technical aspects of aviation security become, the true bottom line of aviation security remains the Human Factor."

So wrote Professor Francis Spranza in a recent edition of Aviation News. I'll add a big Amen to the Professor's comments. The Human Factor is the indispensible element in all security. No matter how advanced our technology becomes, nothing will ever replace watchful eyes and critical minds.

Spranza went on to write

In our Post 9/11 world we have come to rely on a host of scanners, sniffers, x-ray machines, swab devices and computerized detection systems to ensure the safety and security of passengers, crew and equipment. Our faith in deus ex machina, (god from a machine) has prompted us to all but ignore the human security machine.

Regardless of your security budget, you already have access to the most sophisticated security device ever designed; the "human security machine." This means that you can make a significant contribution to your company's security this year by adding to your knowledge and improving your skills.

Further Reading:

Update on Evolving TSA Rules

Flight 253 - New Security Measures Already Affecting Passengers

Security Resources

God in the Machine: The Human Factor in Aviation Security

The cost of lax security can't always be measured in dollars and cents. Sometimes, the price you pay is simply the embarrassment of seeing your issues float around the world wide fishbowl that is the internet. I've compiled my picks for the most embarrasing security breaches of 2009. Here's hoping that we can all stay off next year's list. Read more

For Further Reading

Creating Security Policies