Microsoft Claims Linux Security a Myth

black hole sun writes "Microsoft bigwig Nick McGrath claims that Linux security is highly exaggerated, and that the open source development model is 'fundamentally flawed.' The gist of his argument appears to be his claim of lack of accountability among distributors, coupled with generic statements short on facts. 'Who is accountable for the security of the Linux kernel? Does Red Hat, for example, take responsibility? It cannot, as it does not produce the Linux kernel. It produces one distribution of Linux.' He goes on to say that 'Linux is not ready for mission-critical computing. There are fundamental things missing,' pointing out the lack of a development environment and no single 'sign-on system' giving reference to Microsoft's foundering .Net passport program." I guess Linux can only aspire to the greatness of Windows when it has such secure applications as Outlook and Internet Explorer. Historically those have been proven to be of a caliber all their own.

Comments

Red hat does take responsibility though

[m50d]

They take responsibility for their distribution. They will patch their kernel if anything seems wrong with it. From time to time they pay for an audit. Similarly the debian people vouch for their kernel, and so on. The vanilla kernel.org kernel is only accountable to the kernel.org people, true, but most "enterprise" distribution makers will stand up for every package they distribute.

Re:In other news...

[TubeSteak]

Need I remind everyone that Microsoft turned to Akamai's Linux servers when they got hammered?

Its as if some hotshot in his BMW 745i got a Yugo to tow him because some snow was on the ground.
:'o(

Re:Well..yeah..he would say this

[powdered toast dude]

Don't confuse accountability, responsibility, and liability.

1. Accountability means you can point your finger at me and I'll say "yep, my bad."
2. Responsibility means I then have to fix it.
3. Liability means that you then get to take my wallet.

$0.02,
ptd

Re:*COUGH* sendmail *COUGH*

[Saeed al-Sahaf]

Well, according to this January 2001 article by Moshe Bar, Sendmail handles around 76% of all Internet e-mail.

A lot of things have changed since 2001, yes? It's 2005 now, correct? Qmail is in the process of overtaking Sendmail, and for good reason.