Symantec CEO hits Microsoft's security myth

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Its not a myth - Think about it.

The actual software product that is Windows, is just as secure, and probably more secure than the than Linux simply because the entire source code isn't sitting in the lap of every script kiddie and virus writer. Open source has its advantages when it comes to recognizing and removing potential security threats, don't get me wrong, but it also allows anyone with the desire, to quickly devise new methods of attack. If you think Linux systems haven't been comprosed, wake up. The viri and vulnerabilities you hear about are only the tip of the iceberg. The real vulnerabilities, the pro "crackers" keep to themselves, so that they can exploit them to their advantage. What good is a security hole if the rest of the world knows about it and can correct it? The real vulnerabilities sure aren't exploited by stupid viri and worms that do nothing more than clog bandwidth and relay spam. Think about it.

No OS is perfect, but when a "knowledgeable" admin locks them down it doesn't matter whether its a Windows box, a linux box, or a Novell Server, its going to be secure.

The products are secure, but a machine is only as smart as the user operating it, and there-in lies the problem. The reason MS gets hit with all the viri that seem to completely miss the Linux and *nix systems isn't just because they have a bigger market share, its because of the computer literacy level of the masses using Windows.

The average Linux user is fairly knowledgable about the use of a computer, the same can not be said for the average Windows user. If you were to replace all of the Windows desktops in use today with Linux ones, the viri and other "security" issues would plague the Linux desktops, because instead of having a user base composed of 99% computer literate invididuals, you would end up with a user base composed of 80-90% idiots that will click any attachment that comes into their email box.

Point of the story is that 99% of all security issues arrive from user error or ignorance. I've been using Windows since I can't even remember, and I've never gotten a virus or had a server or workstation compromised on my office's network. If you patch regularly, lock down the network, lock down the servers, lock down email via policy and controls, and educate the users on your network, 95% of the security issues vanish, and the issues that still exist, are going to exist whether you are running Windows or Linux, so you have to learn to adapt and deal with it.

Posted by: tamuhockey   Posted on: 06/02/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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