The New York Times article, “Killing the Computer to Save It,” takes a closer look at how Dr. Peter G. Neumann, a computer scientist who specializes in computer security, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) are rethinking how to make computers and networks more secure. Earlier this month, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta voiced concerns about “an epidemic of computer malware and rising concerns about cyberwarfare as a threat to global security.” Neumann, who is now 80 years old, and Robert N. Watson, a computer security researcher at Cambridge University’s Computer Laboratory, are currently leading a research program funded by DARPA to address these concerns. “The program includes two separate […]

Microsoft is taking steps to position itself as a cutting-edge technology provider by offering services that can analyze big data. That type of technology is being developed by Microsoft Research, Microsoft’s advanced research arm. In Monday’s issue of the New York Times, CCC Council member, Eric Horvitz, who is a distinguished scientist and deputy managing director at Microsoft Research in Redmond, offered his perspective. Since Horvitz joined Microsoft Research 20 years ago, his goal has been “to build predictive software that could continually get smarter.” In the coming months, Horvitz will see that goal realized and shared with the public with the release of updated versions of Excel, which will […]