Morris Lim
I did not choose an article that compares Microsoft’s
Windows family with Linux. Since most people know how many flaws and
vulnerabilities there are within windows itself, I feel there is no need
to emphasize that part. So I chose one
that is related to Linux only.
This article is related to vulnerabilities in Linux-based
systems. The author first describes the
problems within its core kernel, and then she introduces other possible threats
related to user habits, such as not having the system up-to-date, or having the
security options disabled as defaults.
She also writes about the innate disadvantage an open-source system has:
on one hand, everyone has access to the source code and makes improvements; on
the other hand, the source code is also wide open to hackers as their
references for intrusion.
As Linux gains more popularity, it will become a larger
target for hackers to pay attention to.
Even though the article mentions most users that have chosen Linux, do
not worry about the security issue much, the risk is still there for them to bear. After all, if something really bad happens,
windows users can always blame it on Microsoft, while Linux users can only
blame it on themselves and their choice.
Reference :
Is
Linux Next? Johanna Ambrosio, Information Week,
URL:
http://www.informationweek.com/story/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=1786016744