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The Dumber Android Is, the Better, Say Experts

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the are-we-talking-lore-dumb-or-kryton-dumb dept.

ZDOne writes "ZDNet UK is reporting that it will not be known until the Android software development kit comes out on Monday whether the Gphone will be strictly Java-based, but security experts claim that the less smart a phone is, the less vulnerable it is. Android developers should stick to a semi-smartphone platform because the Java sandbox can protect against the normal kinds of attacks, experts claim. The article also discusses some of the pros and cons of open vs. closed source security. 'The debate about the relative security merits of open-source as opposed to proprietary software development has been a very long-running one. Open-source software development has the advantage of many pairs of eyes scrutinizing the code, meaning irregularities can be spotted and ironed out, while updates to plug vulnerabilities can be written and pushed out very quickly. However, one of the disadvantages of open-source development is that anyone can scrutinize the source code to find vulnerabilities and write exploits. The source code in proprietary software, on the other hand, can't be directly viewed, meaning vulnerabilities need to be found through reverse engineering.'"

10 of 165 comments (clear)

  1. Yes...but... by monkeyboythom · · Score: 2, Funny

    Dumb terminals can never defeat idiots. That's why nothing is idiot proof.

    1. Re:Yes...but... by A+non-mouse+Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      You're just a paranoid android.


      What?! Somebody had to make the Radiohead reference.

      Security : Paranoid
      Gphone : Android

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    2. Re:Yes...but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      I always thought that the second someone makes something idiot proof, the Universe just creates a better idiot

  2. The most secure phone ever! by reverseengineer · · Score: 5, Funny

    Experts suggest security-conscious consumers consider the Western Electric 500 for their next smartphone. Lacking Java, JavaScript, ActiveX, and any other type of software, its spartan phone interface makes it virtually immune to any security vulnerabilities, and its innovative "rotary dial" system circumvents attacks possible on touch-tone phones. The casing is constructed of nearly indestructible Bakelite plastic, making it far more durable than the average smartphone. It does however require a service agreement with AT&T.

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  3. Did I miss something? by zappepcs · · Score: 5, Funny

    However, one of the disadvantages of open-source development is that anyone can scrutinize the source code to find vulnerabilities and write exploits. The source code in proprietary software, on the other hand, can't be directly viewed, meaning vulnerabilities need to be found through reverse engineering.'" If I remember right, that closed source thing... hmmm it seems to be working out really well for Microsoft.
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  4. Re:Slasddot Grammary Advisory by sm62704 · · Score: 4, Funny

    Isn't Ann Droid Cowboy Neal's latest girlfriend?

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  5. Re:No wrong... by ceeam · · Score: 4, Funny

    I thought all companies established long ago that "smart users" market is so tiny it can safely be ignored.

  6. Still wrong: by norminator · · Score: 3, Funny

    Actually... I think it should be: the smarter the user thinks they are, the less secure the phone is. Reminds me of my PC Tech Support days long ago... "My neighbor came over, and he knows a lot about computers, so he started fixing my computer, now it won't start..."

  7. Re:Slasddot Grammary Advisory by smittyoneeach · · Score: 3, Funny

    Thought she was Ann Flatable.

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  8. Cmdr. Data would would debate this point! by rts008 · · Score: 2, Funny

    But he would not be offended unless he had his Emotion Chip installed.
    And Lars, well he would just do something diabolical and painful to you for suggesting this...just because he could.

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