The US Department of Homeland Security will release a new guidance document today intended to make the software that runs the Web less susceptible to malicious hacks.

The DHS has teamed with security and technology experts to create a list of the top 25 programming errors that lead to the most serious hacks, according to The New York Times. The idea is to educate companies and organizations about the channels that criminal hackers use to gain access to confidential information and servers. These are often common software errors that can lead to “zero day” exploits.

According to the Times, the number one error on the list is a programming mistake that can leave a server vulnerable to SQL-injection attacks like those LulzSec and Anonymous have used to access supposedly secure information.

For more, see this interesting blog piece.

Latest research shows that more than half of journalists are now using Twitter for newsgathering, although only a few of them want to be contacted via social media channels.

So even if the very thought of social media fills you and your organisation with horror, the microblogging network may be the first step for those who have not yet put a toe into the deep rushing waters of social media.

LinkedIn is doubtless the ‘safest’ social network, good for personal networking but doesn’t offer organisations the potential that a well-managed twitter feed can – and messages are swift and easy to get out into the market.

Social media evangelists say it will eventually replace the mainstream but I doubt it – there will always be the place for the professional journalist – and when 98 per cent of press releases end up in their waste paper bin, Twitter just may be the coming tool of choice to reach them.

In most organisations a call from the media is something to be shunned – a job for the press office or external PR agency.

Yet most media calls are simply requests for information that can often help, not hinder, an organisation that wishes to get its message across.

Knowing how journalists think and why they do what they do in the way they do it can be half the battle in obtaining good coverage that can benefit your organisation . But unless you have worked in the media yourself this insight can be difficult.

“Media Training” has a reputation for being expensive and an attempt to control media messages, something exemplified by politicians who refuse to answer a straight question.

Yet most media encounters are nothing like as bruising – local newspaper and radio reporters often appreciate insights into how organisations work and they don’t always misquote or get the facts wrong. A well-written, well targeted press release can be an advantage to your business, and even in these days of social networking, most people find out news from the mainstream media.

According to top media trainers Media Counsellors, a good level of media awareness can be taught in half a day for less than £200 per person, and a short course can be an excellent investment for those willing to brave the media and get on the right side of the news agenda.

Then don’t do any of these things on Facebook! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13775479