Corporate security and IT departments are faced with many daunting tasks today and the risks to Smart Phones are becoming a major issue. Until recently, it was considered something of an urban myth. Today, it is a total reality. Over the counter software programs turn your phone into a sophisticated bugging device. Email, IM, texts and phone logs are all available for viewing. The culprit can even activate your microphone and listen in to your conversations, using the phone as a bug.

What’s worse, the person can even set your phone to call him whenever you make a call so his phone becomes the equivalent of an extension phone similar to the one you have in your home.

This administration is taking political advantage with our national security. Desperate for a “win”, they capitalize on an opportunity where from their perspective it’s a “win-win” situation. How?

After the debacle that was the Christmas day terror attack, where our Commander in Chief and his top intelligence officer remained on vacation not to interfere with much needed and valuable “family” time, the administration sends FBI agents to Nigeria to meet with Mr. Abdulmutallab’s family. This kinder, gentler approach produces a talkative terrorist who reveals who he trained with and where, as well as other pertinent information they refuse to divulge under National Security issues. However, administration officials are comfortable enough to discuss openly what type of information they have received to give us insight to what they are doing and why their approach worked so well. Now we have information that the next attack is “certain” within the next three to six months. (Note: no increase in threat level).

The recent news developing about the KSM trial being moved from NYC to parts unknown has created a flurry of discussions about where and at what costs. Most importantly I believe is the plain fact that regardless of where we try him and his group, the risks will still remain high.

One of the key underlining problems with Americans today, are we believe the problem is always someone else’s. Things happen to other people; not here, not in my backyard. History has shown us this is not always the case. The Oklahoma attack by McVey, the World Trade Center attack in 93, and September 11, 2001 just to name a few.

I feel a great amount of frustration as I watch the evolution of the December 25th 2009 attempted terrorist attack event follow a course we have been down before. As Yogi Berra once said-”it’s déjà vu all over again”.

One cannot ignore the reaction similarities of this event compared to 9/11. The responses to both incidents are strikingly similar. To begin with, the attacks or attempted attack occured. We then have a rush to respond. Air travel saw increases in security measures with secondary security checks at gates during 9/11, and the taking away of blankets and in-flight entertainment systems in the December event.

Next is the finger-pointing. Who knew what, when, who failed to connect the dots, and how a system failed us. In both cases, our leadership tells us it will never happen again.

There are multiple operational and security issues facing us today and tomorrow which need to be addressed now. The upcoming terrorism trials and the effect they will have are just one example. Organizations, who might be reluctant to conduct true risk assessments on their properties, should at the very least conduct a “Facilitated Discussion” of their concepts to deal with such issues.

While everyone is trying to “read the tea leaves” to determine the next terrorist attack, the reality is all attacks, regardless of man-made or natural, present some basic problems which need to be recognized. Trying to determine the timing of the next attack and how it affects us is overwhelming for most. It is very easy to be consumed with the attack and become stalled in your thinking. You have little to no control over when or where the attack occurs. Understanding what you do have control over and reacting appropriately is key.

The President addresses the American public yesterday trying to explain the failures which have occurred in our intelligence system. He stated no one person can be blamed. This is true; when systemic failures occur, the entire operation fails. Multiple problems existed before this most recent event; some he inherited, some he created.

First, you can’t blame the head of Counter Terrorism for going on vacation during a terrorist attack. He was filing his reports to the President who was on a beach in Hawaii, also on vacation. The country is under terrorist attack and the President is asking for a fax a few times a day about it? Talk about man made disasters and catastrophes!

In the attempt to make the traveling public feel more secure, federal officials are actively promoting full body scan technology. I believe this technology has its effectiveness; however, it is not the silver bullet we would hope for. Even if this technology is implemented across the board, work arounds to defeat the system would be developed, but it is better than what we are currently using.

But what is the real core issue in the resistance to use this technology? Is it really a feeling of an invasion into our privacy, or is it something much simpler. Could it be our vanity is getting in the way of national security?

Today, companies are learning threats to our nation and critical infrastructure are coming from within our borders. Often we hear about the “Lone Wolf” and discuss how an average appearance person can blend into our society and ultimately adds the capability to become the next Timothy McVeigh.

Companies will rightfully realize the need to conduct background checks on key employees in an attempt to make the company more secure. While this process is appropriate, it is critical you ask detailed questions about the background services you are paying for. The most egregious act an investigative company can tell you is there is a national criminal check that can be performed and the subsequent bill that follows.

As a result of the most recent attempted attack aboard a commercial aircraft, a new policy is in place which mandates flyers can no longer stand up during the last hour of an international flight. Additionally, nothing on your laps will be allowed (blankets will be taken back), and all items must be stowed. All as a result of an examination of methodology of the latest attack, and government’s belief it must do something.

Of course we will do this and issue the new mandates. Officials are “duty bound” to do something. Let the public think they are safe. Shoes were x-rayed after the shoe bomber incident. This person sewed explosives into his underwear. So what’s the next natural step in our response? Mandating all undergarments be x-rayed as well? How far away are we from the FAA or Homeland Security mandating that all underwear must be checked?

The bickering between investigative organizations at the federal level and the local levels is as bad as the bickering of a married couple. This past weekend it was reported the White House entered into the terror Intel dispute between the FBI, who claims a release of information could compromise some of their investigations and local officials who believe they need to be informed so they can identify threats in their communities.