The crypto password-cracking firm, Unciphered, is currently embroiled in an unsettling controversy following resurfaced sexual assault allegations involving one of its co-founders, Morgan Marquis-Boire. The revelations have greatly unsettled both the company’s internal climate and its external reputation, especially with the federal agencies like the CIA, NSA, and FBI, which had previously endorsed the firm as a valuable asset.
Marquis-Boire was initially hit with sexual assault accusations in 2017, with several women bravely stepping forward to share their experiences. The allegations resulted in an immediate and substantial backlash, forcing Marquis-Boire to withdraw from public life temporarily. Additionally, companies such as the interdisciplinary laboratory Citizen Lab severed their ties with him, decrying the growing “toxic culture of sexual discrimination, harassment, and violence” in the tech industry.
Following this wave of disassociation, Marquis-Boire reportedly helped establish Unciphered under the pseudonym “Frank Davidson.” His true identity and involvement with the company remained undisclosed to its employees until late 2023.
Over the past four years, Unciphered has grown and solidified its reputation as a specialist in cracking encrypted wallets to retrieve lost crypto funds. High-profile cybersecurity figures, including former NSA general counsel Stewart Baker and security expert Chris Wysopal, expressed interest in the company, further enhancing its credibility.
However, the recent revelations regarding Marquis-Boire’s role have stirred deep concerns about the company’s reputation and integrity. Employees were notably disturbed by the links to Marquis-Boire’s past, fearing that their association with him would tarnish their professional reputations.
Jon Ellch, a former FBI cybersecurity expert, led the call for the company to fully dissociate from Marquis-Boire. This culminated in a wave of complaints that eventually prompted the resignation of CEO Eric Michaud and Marquis-Boire’s departure from the company.
Nonetheless, even after his exit, apprehensions lingered among the employees about Marquis-Boire’s residual influence in the company. These fears were reignited in early 2024 when a package addressed to him arrived at Unciphered’s San Francisco office. The company’s administration, however, quickly moved to reassure its workforce that Marquis-Boire’s shares were bought out in February 2024, and he no longer had any involvement with the firm.
In a move aimed at protecting its team, Unciphered also removed all employee names from its website in response to the controversy. This sordid saga serves as a stark reminder of the long-reaching effects of past indiscretions and the imperative need for tech companies to diligently maintain a culture of respect and equality.
