@Stake

[rapier57]

Like I said: assuming that events are as represented.

You never know about these things. Yes, I've been on the journalist side of the fence, too. As a one-time ME, I know how messed up an aggresive, not-too-careful reporter can get with a story.

[str34m3r]

I think the point that most of you are missing here is that this paper was written as INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. He was not promoting this paper as if it were @Stake's opinion, just writing a paper about the security field and one of the problems he saw in it. In fact, @Stake is only mentioned in two places - the authors list and the biographies.

If I ever write a paper on security vulnerabilities or write some test code in my spare time, it's my own business and no one would give me any grief. My employers have no control over what I do with my spare time, nor do they have any influence over the opinions I express when I'm not at work. Why is it suddenly different if a CTO does the same thing? Did @Stake own Mr. Geer's free time? I think not. So what possible grounds could they have for firing him for research he performed during his free time?

[catch]

I think the point that most of you are missing here is that this paper was written as INDEPENDENT RESEARCH. He was not promoting this paper as if it were @Stake's opinion, just writing a paper about the security field and one of the problems he saw in it. In fact, @Stake is only mentioned in two places - the authors list and the biographies.

If I ever write a paper on security vulnerabilities or write some test code in my spare time, it's my own business and no one would give me any grief. My employers have no control over what I do with my spare time, nor do they have any influence over the opinions I express when I'm not at work. Why is it suddenly different if a CTO does the same thing? Did @Stake own Mr. Geer's free time? I think not. So what possible grounds could they have for firing him for research he performed during his free time?

I think you are missing the point that:

He is an officer of the company, he is never off duty. His every action reflects back on the company, that is why he makes the big bucks. The difference between normal employees and officers is that officers have the ability to legally speak for the company as a whole.

If you worked for a security product company and went off abd did your own security related development work in your spare time, watch how quickly your owrk sues you and wins if you take that product to market.

Mr.Geer wrote a paper that deals with the same material that he is paid for and he did so as an officer of @Steak, therefore his actions fall under the jurisdiction of @Steak.

catch

PS. If I released a trusted operating system or a paper bashing trusted operating systems in my spare time, it'd make my head spin at how fast I was fired and or sued.

[nihil]

Hi Folks,

This is a very interesting thread I have to go along with catch, that the guy was an "officer" of the company; so if he said anything that identified himself and/or his connection to that company (which he did) he probably violated his terms and conditions of employment.

OK here is my new contribution: suppose the guy wanted to leave/retire or whatever, and his company were prepared to let him go and pay him a bonus?

He would have to pay tax?...................if they fire him then pay "compensation" he does NOT have to pay tax?, but the payment is fully tax deductible for the company.

I suspect that this goes deeper than a "gray lady" and is rigged for silent running?

Any IRS types out there who would like to comment?

Cheers

[Tedob1]

There’s a number of possibilities here.

First: Mr Geer and associates wanted to make their findings known to the public to protect the world from harm

Second: Mr Geer was dupped by @stakes rival in order for @stake to be seen for their true nature…an MS suck-ass and of course loose respect and business.

Third: Mr Geer conspired with the rival corporation. That is telling the truth for financial gain to discredit @Stake. Lets face it this does shine a dim light on @Stake at least in my book. I mean who would want to hire someone that’s going to help MS cover up it’s insecurity. Their rival, Counterpane Internet Security doesn’t!

The list can be as long as our imaginations. I was just surprised in thinking @Stake really cared about security. (silly me) Looks like there’s some truth in phrack62’s statements

[nihil]

Nice one ! Tedob1,

"I think that there's something fishy going on"?

I am sure this is deeper than it looks

Cheers