Reflections on Trusting Trust: A Discussion

Welcome to the DC/NoVA Papers We Love meetup!

Papers We Love is an international organization centered around the appreciation of computer science research papers. There's so much we can learn from the landmark research that shaped the field and the current studies that are shaping our future. Our goal is to create a community of tech professionals passionate about learning and sharing knowledge. Come join us!

New to research papers? Watch The Refreshingly Rewarding Realm of Research Papers (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8eRx5Wo3xYA) by Sean Cribbs.

Ideas and suggestions are welcome–fill our our interest survey here (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeJwLQhnmzWcuyodPrSmqHgqrvNxRbnNSbiWAuwzHwshhy_Sg/viewform) and let us know what motivates you!

// Tentative Schedule

• 7:00-7:30–Informal paper discussion

• 7:30-7:35–Introduction and announcements

• 7:35-7:45–Brief summary of Reflections on Trusting Trust (http://www.ece.cmu.edu/%7Eganger/712.fall02/papers/p761-thompson.pdf)

• 7:45-8:40–Paper discussion

• 8:40+–Informal paper discussion

// Directions

Excella Consulting Arlington Tech Exchange (https://www.excella.com/events/arlington-tech-exchange)
2300 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22201

This month, Excella Consulting is hosting us at the Arlington Tech Exchange. It's located conveniently off Wilson Blvd in Arlington. There's parking available, and it's just a quick walk from the Courthouse Metro Station. We'll be on the 6th floor; follow the signs.

If you're late, we totally understand–please still come! (via the patio is best) Just be sure to slip in quietly if a speaker is presenting.

// Papers

Reflections on Trusting Trust (http://www.ece.cmu.edu/~ganger/712.fall02/papers/p761-thompson.pdf), a Turning Award lecture by Ken Thompson (1984)

(annotated version (http://fermatslibrary.com/s/reflections-on-trusting-trust))

"To what extent should one trust a statement that a program is free of Trojan horses? Perhaps it is more important to trust the people who wrote the software."