Reader: "Windows is a victim of its popularity"
Reader Mark Cochran says that because Microsoft is so big, it's a bigger target for hackers. But he doesn't think proprietary or open source is the issue--the fault lies elsewhere
In many ways, when it comes to security, Windows is a victim of its popularity. Those who implement security exploits, much like commercial developers, look for the greatest possible payoff in terms of computing community impact (often referred to as "market penetration" for commercial products). So, if it's bang for the buck that entices developers, Windows is the target OS of choice.
Although I am a devout loyalist of the Macintosh, if the Mac had anywhere near the installed workstation and server base that Windows enjoys, the list of exploits targeted at the MacOS and applications running under it would grow accordingly. With the new MacOS being based on open source code, in many ways the problem has been simplified for the hackers partial to attacking Unix-based systems. It's just not worth the effort.
So, where do I come down on the open source vs. proprietary issue? I come squarely down on the side of the security-conscious system administrator and user. In the end, if I leave my keys in my unlocked car, my complaints about my car's security holes seem pretty feeble.
What do you think? TalkBack below.
