Former cyber security tsar says it all

Thought Microsoft has a debatable reputation in the field of computer security? Leave it up to Richard Clarke to do the Microsoft thrashing for you: "Given their record in the security area, I don't know why anybody would buy from them," Clarke told the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

Until January 2003 Richard Clarke was president Bush's national cybersecurity czar. Prior to that he was an antiterrorism advisor under the presidents Bush Sr., Clinton and Bush Jr. Last year he wrote a book titled "Against all enemies" in which he trashed Bush Jr's anti terrorism policy before and after the September 11 attacks.

In his 3 years as cybersecurity chief, Clarke warned against what would happen if the industry doesn't improve its security record. He referred to the unwillingness of the sector to invest money in security as "the dialog of death". Now that the industry has failed to change, Clarke pleads that it's time for the government to come up with rules and regulations that penalize companies for creating faulty products.

I fully agree with Clarke. Why can I sue Ford if my SUV rolls over, but does Microsoft have the right to protect itself from product liability claims just because they put so in their software licence?

• Tweet  
• Facebook  
•  
•  
• Send to  

• Topics
• Strategy
• Silicon Valley Sleuth