Microsoft calls in the FBI

Microsoft has hired former FBI Special Agent Edward Gibson as its new chief security advisor in the UK.

Gibson was with the FBI for 20 years, and had been the organisation's Assistant Legal Attaché in the UK for the past five years.

He specialised in asset tracing and confiscation, money laundering, intellectual property theft and financial crime.

"Ed brings to Microsoft a wealth of international experience in fighting crime and fraud within the public and financial sectors," said Nick McGrath, head of platform strategy at Microsoft.

"As a specialist in tracking and prosecuting criminals, Ed will help ensure that enterprises and public sector bodies more effectively integrate their security procedures, getting the most out of their investments in security technologies."

Gibson replaces Stuart Okin, who left the company in October last year to become an associate partner at Accenture.