Unciphered, a rising name in the cryptocurrency password recovery sector, is grappling with internal discord after revelations emerged surrounding one of its secret co-founders, Morgan Marquis-Boire. Accusations of repeated sexual assault have raised significant alarm among employees and contractors, particularly those with backgrounds in U.S. intelligence agencies.
The Washington Post reports that Marquis-Boire's undisclosed background has caused concern among Unciphered's workforce, many of whom are former members of organizations like the CIA, NSA, and FBI. These professionals had previously introduced the company to key government officials as a potential asset, complicating its reputation amidst these allegations.
A Co-Founder with a Checkered Past
Morgan Marquis-Boire, initially from New Zealand, is a former security engineer at Google known for his expertise in high-end spyware analysis. He also collaborated with organizations like Citizen Lab and the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), working on significant privacy and security initiatives.
However, in 2017, he effectively vanished from public life following sexual assault allegations from several women. These accusations resulted in numerous organizations, including Citizen Lab, distancing themselves from him over concerns of a “toxic culture of sexual discrimination, harassment, and violence” in the tech industry.
Despite the severity of these accusations, Marquis-Boire operated under the pseudonym "Frank Davidson" while co-founding Unciphered. His true identity remained a secret until late 2023 when company employees uncovered it.
Unciphered's Rise and Fallout
Founded four years ago, Unciphered has focused on recovering lost cryptocurrency funds by cracking digital wallets. Its innovative approach attracted high-profile cybersecurity professionals, including former NSA general counsel Stewart Baker and security expert Chris Wysopal. The company gained recognition in major media outlets such as Wired, Fortune, and The Washington Post, and has been featured in an upcoming Netflix documentary.
Unciphered's business model involves enlisting elite hackers and utilizing sophisticated computing technologies to retrieve locked cryptocurrencies, sharing a portion of the recovered funds with clients. However, the revelation regarding Marquis-Boire's concealed role plunged the company into turmoil, raising concerns among employees about the impact on their professional reputations.
Employee Uproar and Leadership Changes
As details surrounding Marquis-Boire’s history came to light, employees voiced their concerns, fearing the reputational damage his association could inflict. Jon Ellch, a former FBI cybersecurity specialist, along with other employees, urged leadership to sever ties with Marquis-Boire.
With escalating pressure, CEO Eric Michaud resigned, and Marquis-Boire exited the company. However, the situation resurfaced in early 2024 when a package addressed to him arrived at Unciphered’s San Francisco office, reigniting anxiety about his potential influence within the firm.
In response to media inquiries, the remaining leadership at Unciphered acted swiftly, clarifying that Marquis-Boire’s shares had been bought out in February 2024 and that he was no longer involved. Michaud removed his LinkedIn profile and ceased all public communication.
To further address the ongoing controversy, Unciphered eliminated all employee names from its website, citing safety concerns. A company statement reassured that "no one publicly associated with Unciphered has access to company or client funds," as reported.
