Sep, 2003 : Report on Microsoft Security Stirs Controversy

📅 September 26, 2003 - A report claiming that Microsoft's "monopoly" represents a national security risk has apparently landed one of its authors in hot water.

The report, titled CyberInsecurity: The Cost of Monopoly, was unveiled Wednesday at the Computer & Communications Industry Association's Washington meeting of leaders and government officials. The report warned that computers and technological infrastructure are "increasingly vulnerable to attack" because of security practices and Microsoft's dominance in desktop computing.
Shortly after the report was released, security consulting firm @Stake (atstake.com) said Dr. Daniel Greer, principal author of the study and @Stake's CTO, was no longer associated with the company.
"Although Dr. Geer announced that his CCIA-sponsored report... was an independent research study, participation in and release of the report was not sanctioned by @stake," the company said. "Any use of his title or current affiliation with @stake should be corrected."
According to the Associated Press, @Stake declined to say whether Geer resigned or was fired. A spokesperson also told the Associated Press that Microsoft did not call for Geer's dismissal, nor was it involved in the decision.
Prior to joining @stake, Greer was vice president and senior strategist at CertCo, an on-line risk assurance authority firm.