U.S. Investigating Sale of Snort as Security Risk

msmoriarty writes "The Associated Press is reporting today that the same U.S. committee that approved the Dubai ports deal is 'strongly objecting' to Israeli-based Check Point's acquisition of Snort's parent company, Sourcefire, because it doesn't want a foreign company to own Snort's underlying technology. According to the article, the broader 45-day review process rejected for the ports deal is already underway regarding this transaction, and 'secret' meetings between the FBI, DoD and Check Point have been held."

Comments

Re:Slashdot prone to xenophobia?

[JourneyExpertApe]

Nope, I gotta agree with the GP. If you'd listened to objective coverage of the ports deal, you'd know that:

1. The ports were already in the hands of a foreign company (Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company).
2. Dubai and the UAE are US allies. The fact that a few criminals came from there does not change that.
3. The inspection of cargo will still be handled by US Customs and Border Protection.
4. Security will still be provided by the Coast Guard.

Now, Israel, on the other hand, has a history of spying on the US, including having their spies caught on US soil. I'm not familiar with Snort, but since it is computer security related, I think further investigation is probably warranted before this is allowed. Israel, while nominally a US ally, could potentially be a great threat.