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Windows Developers Agree: Linux More Secure

Posted by michael on from the statistical-games dept.

theblackdeer writes "eWeek has an article up about an Evans Data Corp survey that the majority of Windows developers agree that linux is a more secure OS. "Linux scored high for innate security among respondents, more than two- thirds of whom 'use or target Windows with their code.' Indeed, only 23 percent of the developers were primarily Linux developers.""

2 of 62 comments (clear)

  1. What do Windows administrators say? by cfadam · · Score: 3, Interesting

    I don't see how a VB programmer can speak with any authority about the security of servers since that is most likely not their primary job function. I'd rather hear what Windows admins think (preferrably ones who also admin Unix systems).

    I administer a large network of both Windows and Unix server. Yes, I patch my Windows systems more often, but that is because patches are brought to my attention more often (via email as well as released more often _and_ they are easier to apply. Get SMS into the works and patching servers/desktops is even easier.

    I see no reason to apply every security patch Microsoft (or Sun or Red Hat) releases, a large number of them are for apps/services I don't utilize. Not patching them immediately (or ever) doesn't necessarily compromize my security model, nor have I had any issues in the past re: this scheme. Good luck exploiting a hole in WMP on my servers.

    As for which is more secure, its hard to say. That is really up to the administrator. I can make a Windows server more secure than most Linux installs out there.. but nothing is inherently secure.

  2. More secure for what? by foooo · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I have often wondered why windows is less secure. Could it be that a larger installed base means more exposure to security issues?? (ie. popularity = more exploits?)

    If that is the case one would assume that if linux grows in popularity it will begin to get exponentially more volume as it's *unskilled* user base grows.

    Is the difference between security merely a product of linux admins being more excellent or more fanatical than windows admins?

    Until someone answers these questions I won't start *blaming* MSFT for bad security. It could simply be inevitable that a popular system has more exploits.

    ~fooo