Linux security is a myth claims Microsoft

[Zoid]

http://www.vnunet.com/news/1160853

Well, of course he´s saying that. It´s a friggin´competitor that eating market shares for Microsoft. Is there some truth behind this or is he just whining because he feels Linux is getting a bit to popular for Microsofts taste?

[Boris Godunov]

I hardly think that having 3-4% of the market share can be qualified as "eating" into MS's take too much.

[Asher]

There are more vulnerabilities for Linux and its standard programs than there are for Windows.

Windows gets more press because it's Microsoft (which the public has more interest in than Linux). Windows gets the viruses/worms because it has the largest marketshare by far (so it has an accompanying big bullseye), with a userbase who is pretty easy to trick/fool/exploit.

In terms of electronic breaking & entering (ie, corporate and small business hacking), Linux has a far higher rate than Windows does. This is largely due, IMO, to the "false sense of security" Linux provides. Users of Linux and MacOS X seem to think their system is bulletproof. Very few of them have firewalls or install critical updates immediately, and they pay for it.

The most sensible advice, and what anyone who knows what he's talking about with secure will tell you, is any system with at least one remote vulnerability is just as insecure as a system with more than one. It's like locking all doors, except for one or two to your house. They only need one to get in...

The most common counter to this argument is it's a "myth". Linux zealots will claim it's a myth MS is targeted because it's the biggest (and largely seen as the devil to the cracker/virus community). This, of course, is patently nonsense.

The other counter is all systems have security vulnerabilities, but at least in Linux they're fixed much quicker.

This is true to some extent. It still can take many weeks for a fix to come, like in the most recent 17 Linux security vulnerabilies, but the Linux community does way less testing on their fixes than MS has to do. An example of a recent screwup with a "rushed fix" is OpenSSH.

Anyway, long story short, you're just as safe with Windows as you are with Linux, provided you know what you're doing.

[Zoid]

But if you´re bent on total world domination even 3-4% is too much

[Asher]

Originally posted by Kamrat X
But if you´re bent on total world domination even 3-4% is too much...

In the desktop, Linux isn't making a dent.

In the server market, Windows and Linux are both increasing marketshare.

MS just posted record profits.

All this talk about Linux killing Windows is nonsense from crazy zealots.

[Zoid]

I´m not a zealot. I´m quite happy with my XP SP1. I just thought the article was a wee bit on the whiny side

[Asher]

Originally posted by Kamrat X
I´m not a zealot. I´m quite happy with my XP SP1. I just thought the article was a wee bit on the whiny side

I'm not saying you're a zealot, that comment is directed at someone else.

The article makes a lot of sense, and is a just counter to all of the nonsense about the "Linux domino effect" and other crap some people like to spew.

[Boris Godunov]

Quit so much, you're sounding like Ming.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Boris Godunov
Quit so much, you're sounding like Ming.

Well, he is my hero.

I'm taking up smoking now, to fit in.

[Zoid]

Originally posted by Asher

I'm not saying you're a zealot, that comment is directed at someone else.

The article makes a lot of sense, and is a just counter to all of the nonsense about the "Linux domino effect" and other crap some people like to spew.

Ok, it´s comforting to know that "Big Bad" has nothing to fear from impertinent upstarts

[MarkG]

A senior Microsoft executive, speaking exclusively to vnunet.com

as if there was a demonstration of journalists outside his door asking for interview....

[chequita guevara]

[Asher]

The problem is UserFriendly is never funny, nor is it insightful.

[MarkG]

Asher
UserFriendly

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by Asher
There are more vulnerabilities for Linux and its standard programs than there are for Windows.

Ask CERT. That's all I am going to say. Unlike Microsoft, CERT isn't going to FUD or lie.