Linux Security is a Myth – Microsoft

Software Giant Puts Open-Source OS Under Fire

by Yaroslav Lyssenko

[ 01/29/2005 | 07:13 AM ]

Microsoft Corp. has come a long way since the original Microsoft Disk Operating System intended for simplistic PCs in the early eighties to MS Windows Server product series designed to run large datacenters nowadays. Throughout its way the company has always had to compete with rival OSes, such as IBM OS/2 in the eighties and the nineties, as well as Mac OS X and Linux today. Apparently, sometimes, in order to convince potential customers to choose a technology from Microsoft the company has not only to deliver a fine product, but to criticize competing offerings.

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“The biggest challenge we need to face centers on the myth and reality. There are lots of myths out there as to what Linux can do. One myth we see is that Linux is more secure than Windows. Another is that there are no viruses for Linux,” said Nick McGrath, head of platform strategy for Microsoft in the UK, in an interview with Vnunet.com web-site.

“Who is accountable for the security of the Linux kernel? Does Red Hat, for example, take responsibility? It cannot, as it does not produce the Linux kernel. It produces one distribution of Linux. In Microsoft’s world customers are confidant that we take responsibility. They know that they will get their upgrades and patches,” Mr. McGrath added.

• Vnunet.com: Linux Security is a “myth”, Claims Microsoft.