Roger Needham

Roger Needham was a British computer scientist who led the University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory and later founded Microsoft Research Cambridge. His work covered operating systems, distributed systems, and computer security.

Authentication protocols

With Michael Schroeder, Needham described an authentication protocol that became a foundational object of protocol analysis. Later attacks and repairs to variants of the protocol became equally important: they showed why authentication claims must be tested against active adversaries.

Institutional leadership

Needham led Cambridge's Computer Laboratory from 1980 to 1995 and became managing director of Microsoft Research Cambridge in 1997. His legacy spans research ideas and institutions that trained and supported later security researchers.

In memoriam

Needham died in 2003. The continuing use of the Needham–Schroeder family in security education reflects the durability of his contribution.

Timeline

• 1935-02-09Born in Sheffield, England.
• 1978Co-authors the Needham–Schroeder authentication protocol with Michael Schroeder.
• 1980Becomes head of the Cambridge Computer Laboratory.
• 1997Becomes managing director of Microsoft Research Cambridge.
• 2003-02-28Dies in Cambridge, England.