- There is yet another vulnerability in Adobe PDF reader that has been revealed and there are known exploits in the wild. Warn clients about the risk of opening PDF files from unknown sources. Adobe has not yet issued a patch, but there is a third party patch available. It is quite unusual for a third-party researcher to issue a patch before the vendor. WAKE UP, Adobe!.

- No one likes to lose employees, through layoffs for any other reason, but layoffs are a matter of survival for many companies in this economy. This article highlights a recent web survey that should concern any employer. A large percentage of employees leaving their jobs take more with them than the contents of their desks. This risk is not completely avoidable, but employers should do all they can to prevent company data from leaving with former employees.

- Finally, and this is hardly shocking, wi-fi networks in airports are very risky. Make sure clients know how to use SSL connections and/or a VPN connection to secure communications on public networks. Laptops should be configured to connect to infrastructure networks only - airports are full of rogue ad-hoc "free" wi-fi opportunities (as in opportunities to be hacked). I have seen more than one traveler bring these back to the office after a business trip.

Dennis H in West Virginia, US

February 25, 2009