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.
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.
I'll let you know when I scale up to where I get a glimpse into the abyss.
I'd love to hear what you think the NSA might have persuaded us to do?
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?
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
EDIT: You should probably respond to his post instead of mine.
And yes I know what Matasano did. Which is why I say you'd be surprised.
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.