Google, Facebook, Twitter's top security execs to leave their companies
What's the story
In a rather interesting turn of events, top security executives at tech giants Google, Facebook, and Twitter have decided to leave their respective organizations in the last three days. This started with the report of Facebook's Chief Security Officer (CSO) Alex Stamos leaving the company later in August. It is possible that the three announcements are not mutually exclusive in nature.
CSO Alex Stamos might leave Facebook in August
According to the reports, Stamos's impending exit is related to Russian manipulation efforts on Facebook, something he didn't agree with and advocated for disclosure around Russian interference on the platform. However, the high-ranking executive addressed the "rumors" by saying that only his role in the company had changed. Notably, the news of his possible departure comes amid the ongoing Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal.
Twitter Post
My role at Facebook has changed: Stamos
Despite the rumors, I'm still fully engaged with my work at Facebook. It's true that my role did change. I'm currently spending more time exploring emerging security risks and working on election security.
— Alex Stamos (@alexstamos) March 19, 2018
Michal Zalewski set up Google's largest bug bounty program
After Stamos, director of information security at Google Michal Zalewski announced his departure from the company. Zalewski joined Google in 2007 and is credited with setting up the Google Vulnerability Reward Program, which is one of the largest bug bounty programs among all tech firms. The program has paid security researchers over $12 million since its inception in 2010.
Twitter Post
Zalewski has spent 11 years at Google
So, after almost 11 years, I'm gonna be leaving Google by the end of the month. It's been a fun ride.
— lcamtuf (@lcamtuf) March 21, 2018
Information
CISO Michael Coates leaving Twitter
And finally a day later, Twitter's Chief Information and Security Officer (CISO) Michael Coates announced plans to leave the company. In a clear message, he said his decision was known internally for weeks and that he is now looking forward to co-founding a security start-up.