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Mitnick on OSS

Posted by Hemos on from the hacking-it-out dept.

comforteagle writes "Infamous cracker Kevin Mitnick (turned security consultant) has come out to say that he'd prefer to 'hack' open source code vs proprietary closed code. "Mitnick says that open source software is easier to analyse for security holes, since you can see the code. Proprietary software, on the other hand, requires either reverse engineering, getting your hands on illicit copies of the source code, or using a technique called 'fuzzing'." He further says that open source is more secure, but leaves you wondering questions if enough people are really interested in securing open source code."

5 of 286 comments (clear)

  1. Re: Fuzzing... by Black+Parrot · · Score: 5, Funny

    > Anyone want to explain what this 'fuzzing' is?

    For teenagers it means to skip shaving for a few days.

    Not sure how that helps crack software, though. Maybe it gives you a 1337 look that inspires more experienced crackers to share their secrets.

    --
    Sheesh, evil *and* a jerk. -- Jade
  2. There's plenty of Milhouse to go around. by digitaldc · · Score: 5, Funny

    Separated at birth?

    --
    He who knows best knows how little he knows. - Thomas Jefferson
  3. Unfortunate by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    Infamous cracker Kevin Mitnick (turned security consultant) has come out to say [...]

    Why does race have to enter every discussion on /.?

  4. Re:Captain Obvious by kfg · · Score: 5, Funny

    First Corollary:

    It's easier for others to see where you are going when they have their eyes open.

    Second Corollary:

    It's easier for others to see where you might go when they have their eyes open.

    KFG

  5. A Slashdot Orange by eldavojohn · · Score: 5, Funny
    Makes no sense
    *a dazed author of the GP lies under an overpass, gleefully singing about possible Linux/Unix flaws*

    Alexander "brunes69" de Large: Oy! Lookie what we have here, droogies ... someone who's trying to relay a point without including a complete manual on how to do it!
    Droogies: [in unison] HE FORGOT ABOUT PERMISSIONS!
    Alexander "brunes69" de Large: [bending over with his cane against his cod piece] That's right. And what happens to slashdotters we viddie that make mistakes?
    Droogie A: We brow beat them into a bloody pulp ...
    *Alex and the droogs continually beat the poor slashdotter while emitting "Singing in the Rain"*
    eldavojohn: Please ... oof! ... I tried to warn you that I don't write viruses for a living!
    --
    My work here is dung.