Don't tell Alice and Bob: Security maven Bruce Schneier is leaving IBM

Infosec veteran Bruce Schneier has said he'll step down as a "special advisor" to IBM's security business to, in part, focus his time on teaching the next generation of security pros. Schneier said he also wanted to focus on work with nonprofit projects including Tor and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), where he is a …

[Loyal Commenter]

One of the few individuals I have real respect for

He still sends out his monthly email newsletter, and it's still valuable reading for any technical professional.

[0laf]

Re: One of the few individuals I have real respect for

Takes time for the little people too. I sent in a link of some minor relevance on a topic he was blogging about and got an unexpected but very nice personal reply from the the man himself.

I've read a few of his book and have kept up with the blog for a very long time. He's someone who talk with authority on a difficult subject without the bullshit and obsfucation of so many others.

[Jude Bradley]

And his book is excellent reading too.

[trevorde]

Do you think he was RA'd?

[Anonymous Coward]

highly skilled, experienced, respected in his field, not young anymore, likely to want a fair salary

yep, RA target right there

[sanmigueelbeer]

What is the objective for getting him RA-ed?

If he gets RA-ed he goes somewhere else, like the competitor.

[Eltonga]

If he gets RA-ed he goes somewhere else, like the competitor.

Not something the manager that decides on his RA thinks about.

RA is all about budget, and a decision taken by people that does not need to be replaced by a sophisticated AI system. A single Excel spreadsheet is enough to replace most of those decision makers.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: If he gets RA-ed he goes somewhere else, like the competitor.

"A single Excel spreadsheet is enough to replace most of those decision makers."

The difficulty is in creating a spreadsheet that makes decisions largely on targets to achieve personal bonuses while ignoring any (IBM or customer) business consequences.

As soon as anyone created such a spreadsheet and the creator realises how little compassion, empathy, customer satisfaction and business focus is involved, they lose all motivation to remain at IBM...

I believe they tried something similar with an earlier version of Watson and it had to be shutdown after spewing reams of ideas on how to remove senior IBM management as quickly as possible while avoiding any excessive involvement of law enforcement...

[David Austin]

Probably for the best

Before IBM push him out the door via constructive dismissal for being too old.

[Robert Halloran]

Typical acquisition: keep the former execs on in a consultancy role for a time while you integrate the staff, then they cash out and move on.

Between BT buying up Counterpane and now IBM with Resililent, I doubt he has to worry about the next grocery tab. Good luck in your next gig, Bruce.

[Anonymous Coward]

Let's face facts

IBM QRadar is a bit rubbish

[EnviableOne]

Re: Let's face facts

A Bit? its full of holes monolithic and $$$$$

[Claptrap314]

Golden handcuffs?

Those are usually two years for the ICs. I could easily see three in this case.

[Anonymous Coward]

Why hang around...

...while IBM rearranges deck chairs on the Titanic?

[coconuthead]

... "Alice and Bob"

but it was Carol you had to worry about.

[Anonymous Coward]

Re: ... "Alice and Bob"

or Eve

[Michael Wojcik]

Re: ... "Alice and Bob"

Mallory was a popular choice.

[Mage]

I never thought it would last

I get the newsletter.

I look forward to him continuing to do good analysis of political & corporate stupidity relating to IT privacy and security. Privacy now is as major an issue as security.

[Andrew Meredith]

THE text book on Crypto

I have no clue how many people I have recommended his "Applied Cryptography" book to. I have read a bunch of different crypto titles and his is the king by a country mile.

[adam 40]

Re: THE text book on Crypto

+1 then, ordered on fleabay, 7 quid, seems like a baargin.