Peter G. Neumann, Who Warned of Computer Security Risks, Dies at 93
The New York Times • • technology
Key Points:
- Peter G. Neumann, a pioneering computer security researcher, passed away at 93 due to complications from a recent fall; he remained actively working on advanced security designs supported by the Pentagon until his death.
- Neumann's career was inspired by a 1952 conversation with Albert Einstein, who imparted the philosophy that "Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler," influencing Neumann's lifelong focus on the complexities and challenges of computer security.
- Since 1971, Neumann worked at SRI International and was known for warning about recurring mistakes in the computer industry, emphasizing the need for more secure systems.
- In 2010, Neumann led the DARPA-funded Cheri project, which developed innovative hardware-based security measures to prevent malicious software execution by restricting program permissions, akin to replacing a master key with individualized keys for specific access.