Microsoft has appointed an FBI special agent to take
over the key role as chief security adviser in the UK, following a
six-month search among senior security professionals.
Computer crime specialist Edward Gibson, who is also assistant
legal attach‚ to the US embassy in London, will take over the
high-profile post in July.
The chief security adviser will play a critical role in advising
UK businesses on security issues and feeding back their concerns to
Microsoft's Seattle headquarters.
Gibson has been responsible for establishing strategic alliances
between UK police, the security services, private sector companies
and the FBI since 2000.
"Ed brings to Microsoft a wealth of international experience in
fighting crime and fraud, both within the public and financial
sectors," said Nick McGrath, head of platform strategy at
Microsoft.
Gibson takes over from Stuart Okin, who left Microsoft at the
end of last year after eight years in the role. He has since taken
a position with IT services firm Accenture.
One of Gibson's key roles will be to work with Microsoft's
business managers to gain feedback from users on the firm's
progress on security.
"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," said
McGrath.
Microsoft has struggled to find a candidate for the job with
both technical security expertise and the ability to act as a
public face for the company.
McGrath said he had interviewed some of the most gifted security
professionals in the UK before making the appointment.