Blackthorn Systems

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Computer Security • Network Engineering
802.985.2415 | 5921 Shelburne Road | Shelburne, VT 05482
fthornton@blackthornsystems.com

Frank learned computer programming in the 70’s when the machines took up a whole
room and returned to the technical aspect of computers after a distinguished career in law
enforcement and forensics. For the past ten years he has focused on security issues for
small businesses (or individuals) with five to 25 computers.

Frank has written nine books on computer security (available on Amazon) and is
a nationally recognized authority – he regularly speaks at national conventions in
Washington, DC and Las Vegas. The conventions sound like fun – he said they’re full of
people who “look like street punks” and others in three-piece suits; a lot of 3-letter federal
agencies are represented.

His books concern wireless security, which Frank says evolves so fast that a fi ve-yearold
book is out of date. He notes that he’s not telling the “bad guys” anything they don’t
already know. His methodology is to pay attention to trends and make assumptions on
what might happen next. He tests his assumption and then develops a way to protect
against it.

Frank works with businesses throughout Chittenden County and a few out of state – he can
easily do his work remotely.

Frank was raised in Boston and came to Vermont as a teen when his father went to work
at IBM. He has been on the Shelburne Police force and worked for the Vermont Forensics
lab as well as the Burlington and Chittenden County Sheriff’s Departments.