It’s been a decade since Bill Gates issued his Trustworthy Computing memo, which emphasized Microsoft’s absolute need to key in on dependability, security, and privacy.
At the time of the memo, worms and viruses were spiraling out of control not only on home computers, but also on corporate computer networks running Microsoft operating systems. C-suite execs were growing increasingly frustrated when computers were crashing and confidential data was being put at risk. Company leaders were growing unable to trust Microsoft products.
Gates understood that if Microsoft’s security was not improved, the security nightmare would not only endanger consumers’ information and reflect poorly on the company’s products and services, but also negatively impact the reputation (and, therefore, the long-term success) of the company overall.
Since that memo was issued, what have Gates and Microsoft done to help keep your company’s computers and data safe?
The Trustworthy Computing initiative kicked off an adjustment that was not only for appearances and PR purposes, but was also a fundamental change in the company’s entire culture. Microsoft began working from the ground up to improve security and implemented privacy and security features into the process of software building, rather than haphazardly tacking it on later. And, writes Elinor Mills for CNET, two major technologies improved security by leaps and bounds: address space layout randomization (ASLR) and data execution prevention (DEP).
Over time, Microsoft became an industry-leader in security, and now the company even lends its trusted security expertise to other companies.
For potential business catastrophes, executive leaders need to know how to respond and work together. If your company isn’t built to handle a crisis, then it isn’t built for longevity. Leadership at the top of a company needs to have vision and to have the right people in place in order to navigate troubles.
Bill Gates and his senior-level team were the right people to handle the problem. Do you have faith in your company’s leadership?
