WASHINGTON (AP)--The chief technology officer for a technology firm that works
closely with Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) lost his job after he helped write a study
critical of the insecurity of Microsoft software.
Daniel E. Geer Jr., an expert with nearly three decades studying technology
and computer security, learned Thursday he was no longer employed by AtStake
Inc. of Cambridge, Mass.
AtStake declined to say whether Geer resigned or was fired. Spokeswoman Lona
Therrien said Microsoft didn't call for Geer's dismissal, which AtStake said
was effective two days ago. Microsoft also said it wasn't involved in the
decision.
But critics said Geer's firing was reflective of Microsoft's far-reaching
ability in Washington and across the technology industry to silence experts who
complain about weaknesses in its software or its aggressive business practices.
The Justice Department struggled years ago to find technology executives
willing to testify against Microsoft in its antitrust trial.
Geer couldn't be reached immediately for comment, but one person familiar with
Geer's situation said he was fired in a call Thursday morning from AtStake
executives.
AtStake has worked closely with Microsoft in the past, examining some of its
software blueprints for security problems and providing consulting services.
AtStake's announcement came one day after Geer and six other experts published
a report complaining that the U.S. government relies too heavily on software
from Microsoft. It argued that the widespread dominance of Windows has created
an unhealthy "monoculture" inadequately resistant to viruses and attacks by
hackers.
Geer was identified Wednesday in a conference call with journalists as
AtStake's technology officer and the lead author of the report, which was
funded by the Washington-based Computer and Communications Industry
Association, a trade group whose members include some of Microsoft's biggest
corporate rivals.
"The values and opinions of the report are not in line with AtStake's views,"
the company said in a statement. It said Geer's participation working on the
report was "not sanctioned."
"Security is much more complicated than focusing on this one issue," said
Chris Wysopal, AtStake's director of research and development. "We think the
way the (CCIA) paper is positioned...is just not the answer."
Wysopal said experts within AtStake debate about security issues internally
but that Geer represented his views as the company's consensus. "We value
diversity of opinions here," Wysopal said.
closely with Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) lost his job after he helped write a study
critical of the insecurity of Microsoft software.
Daniel E. Geer Jr., an expert with nearly three decades studying technology
and computer security, learned Thursday he was no longer employed by AtStake
Inc. of Cambridge, Mass.
AtStake declined to say whether Geer resigned or was fired. Spokeswoman Lona
Therrien said Microsoft didn't call for Geer's dismissal, which AtStake said
was effective two days ago. Microsoft also said it wasn't involved in the
decision.
But critics said Geer's firing was reflective of Microsoft's far-reaching
ability in Washington and across the technology industry to silence experts who
complain about weaknesses in its software or its aggressive business practices.
The Justice Department struggled years ago to find technology executives
willing to testify against Microsoft in its antitrust trial.
Geer couldn't be reached immediately for comment, but one person familiar with
Geer's situation said he was fired in a call Thursday morning from AtStake
executives.
AtStake has worked closely with Microsoft in the past, examining some of its
software blueprints for security problems and providing consulting services.
AtStake's announcement came one day after Geer and six other experts published
a report complaining that the U.S. government relies too heavily on software
from Microsoft. It argued that the widespread dominance of Windows has created
an unhealthy "monoculture" inadequately resistant to viruses and attacks by
hackers.
Geer was identified Wednesday in a conference call with journalists as
AtStake's technology officer and the lead author of the report, which was
funded by the Washington-based Computer and Communications Industry
Association, a trade group whose members include some of Microsoft's biggest
corporate rivals.
"The values and opinions of the report are not in line with AtStake's views,"
the company said in a statement. It said Geer's participation working on the
report was "not sanctioned."
"Security is much more complicated than focusing on this one issue," said
Chris Wysopal, AtStake's director of research and development. "We think the
way the (CCIA) paper is positioned...is just not the answer."
Wysopal said experts within AtStake debate about security issues internally
but that Geer represented his views as the company's consensus. "We value
diversity of opinions here," Wysopal said.
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