Microsoft reward snags suspected Sasser author

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FACTS? Where are they?

" ?There is no way to fix Linux to bring it up to the level of
security that is required for national defense systems, a
level that is already available in proprietary operating
systems,? O?Dowd said."

Is that all proprietary operating systems? Funny that is what
he meant.

"However, the source code of a defense system?s operating
system provides a blueprint for its security."

The operating system is likely to be the smallest part of any
defence system. There is no requirement the rest of the
system be opened sourced if that was a security concern.
Patches to proprietary OS are the blueprint to their security
vulnerabilities (or is the author proposing these remain
secret as well).

"Disclosure of the source code makes it possible for our
enemies to ascertain the performance, timing, capabilities,
and vulnerabilities of the system, including the existence
and design of secret devices and encryption chips."

Disclosure of the OS, whether open source or other, will
provided the performance and vulnerabilities of the system,
something impossible to keep secret. Open source doesn't
have to give any information to any of the devices.

"there have been more vulnerabilities of the highest
severity in the Linux operating system than in Microsoft
Windows in every one of the last ten years!"

Is that the Linux kernel, or a linux distribution? If so which
distribution? Are the vulnerabilities in software likely to be
used for your defence project or libraries you would include
anyway? Are the vulnerabilities remotely exploitable or local
privilege escalation?

Sorry Da-Man, if Green Hills' software is as good as this
attack on open source than I'd be happier to see my tax
dollars using Linux.

Posted by: Richard Flude   Posted on: 05/09/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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