1. The latter half of 2010 saw some 100.9m smartphones sold, proving it’s a handset trend that’s very much on the increase http://tinyurl.com/5tx47k7. It’s a trend, however, that comes with some risks, as mobile security firm AdaptiveMobile warns of the security dangers smartphones are open to. http://tinyurl.com/67hoh7q
2. On the online security breaches we are already familiar with, this was a week for dodgy online dealings with the Nasdaq and recruitireland.com website hacks. Out client, Dermot Williams from Threatscape gave his views to the Irish Times on what these bad guys were up to. http://tinyurl.com/6xasewe
3. All of this took place during the same week that Safe Internet Day was held to raise awareness of security online. A survey conducted by the EU Kids Online project to mark Safe Internet Day found that one-quarter of children in Ireland have seen websites containing potentially harmful user-generated content. These include websites promoting drug taking, how to be thin, suicide, racism or hatred. http://tinyurl.com/6yzquat
4. Now that we are shopping more and more online, a study from IAB and Lightspeed Research, shows that more and more of us also choose to make complaints online. http://tinyurl.com/6ehrgss
5. Continuing along the line of shopping, AOL has acquired the Huffington Post blog for US$315m in cash and has appointed its founder Arianna Huffington editor-in-chief. http://tinyurl.com/4n28j6a
6. Never mind complaining online, we can now confess our sins online using a new confession app, which has been approved by the Catholic Church. http://tinyurl.com/5ubxgwa
7. We really liked this great use of QR codes for the Luppe Fiasco album launch, spotted by the guys in Simply Zesty. http://tinyurl.com/5tg9do8
8. More on music, and we love that Irish harpist Edel Loftus is using a webcam to help students in Ireland and further afield get to grips with the harp. http://tinyurl.com/5s6j7sr
9. As the election looms ever near, new website Reformcard.com aims to put pressure on parties to take political reform seriously by marking their manifestos out of 100 in a range of categories. The online scorecard will also monitor the implementation and effectiveness of political reform by the incoming government. www.reformcard.com

And finally…

10. If the election coverage is getting you all hot and bothered then new software developed by TV3 can help gauge your feelings on the candidates as the debates unfold on TV. http://tinyurl.com/67m3gu4