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What exactly was it that you thought Matasano did, that the NSA might have ever leaned on them for anything? People on HN have historically had really weird ideas of how my work intersects with privacy. Matasano is a software engineering service.


I think we all know Matasano were the masterminds behind Regin.


I meant besides Regin.


Matatsano was probably too small. Didn't it get bought by a larger firm?


You didn't answer my question. What exactly do you think it is NSA wants firms like Matasano to do? Stop being evasive. Say something specific, so we can actually address the innuendo.

It seems much more likely that NSA would lean on your consulting practice: you build telephony and communications software. Obviously, I don't think NSA leans on companies like yours either.


The comment at the top of the thread is about Google. Not everything is about you.


I think you should tell that to the person who brought me up.


Sorry Thomas, I only referenced you because I thought the post in question was worth sharing in this context.


I never mentioned Matadano. I specifically refered to the "larger transnational security company" that acquired Matasano. If that's not correct regarding Matasano, I'm sorry. But I'm not being evasive in any way.

I'll let you know when I scale up to where I get a glimpse into the abyss.


I ran the professional services division for one of the largest companies in the same space as Matasano.

I'd love to hear what you think the NSA might have persuaded us to do?


I worked for the "multinational" for two years after the acquisition and I'm curious about NSA's evil influence too. Tell us more, Zigurd? Seriously: just a theory about what could have been happening would be great.


Since your indignation is fully intact, "one of the largest companies..." would not be RSA, right?


RSA isn't in remotely the same space as Matasano, nor would it be "one of the largest" if it were in that space.

As I rock back and forth in my chair, silently repeat the serenity prayer, and try to remain charitable; what sort of work do you think Matasano (or NCC, Accuvant, or VerizonBusiness, my former employer) does?


No?

Where did you read that? They're still alive and kicking.

'tptacek left it to start a new company. As far as I can tell, Matasano is quite successful and many of its employees are highly regarded hackers and engineers.

Some of what they do:

    * cryptopals.com
    * microcorruption.com
    * cryptoservices.github.io
See also: the 'whoishiring threads every month.

EDIT: You should probably respond to his post instead of mine.


Well, he is correct that Matasano was acquired by NCC Group. But as a rank-and-file Matasanoan since before the acquisition, I can't say I've noticed a huge impact on the day-to-day.


Okay, I wasn't aware previously. Thank you for correcting my ignorance.


You'd be surprised.

And yes I know what Matasano did. Which is why I say you'd be surprised.


"Does", not "did". But I really don't understand what you're trying to say.


Right, "does" - I forgot they just nested their namespace after going to NCC, sorry.

If you had to make a guess, you'd probably guess correctly, but we'll just end this thread here (don't guess). FWIW I'm not supporting Zigurd's statements, which sound crazy.


I'm more confused now than before you commented.




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