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How To Argue That Open Source Software Is Secure?
Smidge207 writes "Lately there has been a huge push by Certified Microsoft Professionals and their companies to call (potential) clients and warn them of the dangers of open source. This week I received calls from four different customers saying that they were warned that they are dangerously insecure because they run open source operating systems or software, because 'anyone can read the code and hack you with ease.' Other colleagues in the area also have noticed that three local Microsoft Partners have been trying to strike fear in the minds of companies that respond, 'Yes, we use open source or Linux' when the sales call comes in. I know this is simply a sales tactic by these companies, but how do I fix the damage these tactics cause? I have several customers who now want more than my word about the security of systems that have worked for them flawlessly for 5-6 years, with minimal expense outside of upgrades and patching for security. Does anyone have a good plan or sources of reliable information that can be used to inform the customer?"
I had a professor say that kind of thing in class once. He said that "Linux will never be as secure as Windows because it's open source. Anyone can see the source code and use it to hack your computers."
It was completely involuntary on my part, but I let out a loud, and I do mean LOUD, "WHAT?".
He turned and looked at me, I said "I'm sorry but that's not correct. Look at OpenBSD, it's open source too and there has been exactly one remote exploit in a default install in the past six years. Microsoft wishes that Windows had that kind of track record." He stammered and stuttered and then moved on with his lecture.
LK
"Hi. This is my friend, Jack Shit, and you don't know him." - Lord Kano
I'd just suggest rolling on the floor in hysterical laughter, just sobbing until your chest hurts whenever anybody says that to your face. Maybe after a couple of times, people will get the idea.
For anybody too dense to get it, show them the You Tube clips of Gates & Seinfeld.
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
Good point. I like to educate people however. Even if your way is more effective. I like to tell people what I think and then if they ignore me I watch things blow up. If I like them I'll even tell them I told them so. Otherwise they probably won't see me again.
Of course they can do the same: "When OS is hacked who solves your problem? Some good samaritan? Who do you blame? Microsoft has a whole team of professional security experts who are standing by 24 hours a day...."