Microsoft to Focus on Security Issues

Microsoft, stung by several high-profile software viruses over the last year, said it hired a PricewaterhouseCoopers forensics consultant to oversee security strategy.

Scott Charney, principal for digital risk management and forensics at PricewaterhouseCoopers, will assume the role of chief of security strategy April 1. He is replacing Howard Schmidt, who has left for a position with the federal government. Charney joins Microsoft as security becomes the largest software maker’s No. 1 priority.