Microsoft seeks patent for office spy software - Times Online
Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Yeah sure...sign me up for this! Are they insane?

From the page: "Microsoft submitted a patent application in the US for a "unique monitoring system" that could link workers to their computers. Wireless sensors could read "heart rate, galvanic skin response, EMG, brain signals, respiration rate, body temperature, movement facial movements, facial expressions and blood pressure", the application states.

The system could also "automatically detect frustration or stress in the user†and "offer and provide assistance accordingly". Physical changes to an employee would be matched to an individual psychological profile based on a worker's weight, age and health. If the system picked up an increase in heart rate or facial expressions suggestive of stress or frustration, it would tell management that he needed help."

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It's all about strategy
Friday, April 02, 2004

From Wired, via Slashdot:

"WASHINGTON -- In a surprise shift, leading software companies acknowledge in a report [.pdf] to the Bush administration that government might need to force the U.S. technology industry to improve the security of America's computer networks.

"The companies, including Microsoft and Computer Associates International, said the Homeland Security Department "should examine whether tailored government action is necessary" to compel improvements in the design of computer software.

"The 250-page report containing that recommendation and dozens more was being released Thursday. It cautioned that government should require security improvements only when market forces fail. It also said businesses already are demanding software that is safer and more resilient to attacks. "

Hmm...I wonder if this has any connection to the imminent release of XP SP2, or the most recent security push from Microsoft. And what about Sun Microsystem's sudden $2 Billion love affair with Microsoft?

Why fight open source development when you can outlaw it. The message to software developers is clear: you either play with our toys, in our sandbox, by our rules, or you don't play at all.

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WTF is the matter with you?
Friday, July 18, 2003

Each and every one of us is a node on the web. We are all necessary. If one of us goes down, we all go down.

Well, not exactly, but what if it were true? Even for a few of us. We'd all be in the shiter.

I'm no fan of rampant legislation for security, or corporate spying, but come on; Take care of your god damn machine.

These things called computers help us live our lives in ways we can't even imagine. Is it worth it to risk them? Hell no. Upgrade the dammed system when it needs to be upgraded at home. Demand that it be upgraded at work if it's not already. Jobs are at stake here.

Our economy can not handle a major attack. The fact that some companies give the federal government a heads up on security issues is admirable - I won't go into how I think that the government should be the ones alerting industry to these issues instead of the other way around - but home networks need to be secure too.

Is my machine secure? I don't know, but I'm sure as shit going to spend some time with her to figure it out.

Without us, the individual users, the internet is nothing. With things going the way they are, we can't afford to let this get away from us; We must protect our systems.

Update. Update often, and check-out those anomalies. Odds are, you're going to find a problem long before the Department of Homeland Security is.

I'll leave it at that.

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Fog of War
Thursday, March 20, 2003

WTF? Why is this being announced today in the fog of war?

Texan to Lead House Cybersecurity Panel

Congressional leaders have picked Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas) to lead a new congressional subcommittee on cybersecurity, a House spokeswoman said today.

Thornberry will head the subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science, Research and Development. The panel is part of the House Select Committee on Homeland Security, which was created last month to oversee the new Department of Homeland Security.

Who is Mac Thornberry you ask? He introduced a little bill to congress last year H.R. 1158. That bill established a new cabinet-level dpartment: The Department of Homeland Security.

I have a very bad feeling about this.

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"We must not confuse dissent with disloyalty. When the loyal opposition dies, I think the soul of America dies with it."

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