Nosce te ipsum

Mike Nash, Microsoft's Chief Security Executive, has made claims that Windows is more secure than Linux. In a recent online chat, he staunchly defended Microsoft's record on security, basing part of his argument on how Windows Server 2003's 15 patches in the past year are far less than what RedHat or SuSE have had to endure." He also mentioned the recent purchase of Sybari and their Antivirus product. Some interesting comments in the Slashdot discussion that ensued.

..and speaking of security: Microsoft's AntiSpyware Disabled by Spyware

A trojan has targeted Microsoft's AntiSpyware program, deleting all files within the C:Program FilesAntiSpyware folder, as well as logging keystrokes at several online banking sites." The good news is that it's a Trojan, so one still has to bother with running an attached file.

I for one sure feel a lot better that Mr. Nash has come out and told us that Windows is safer than Linux. After seeing over 900 new viruses every single month, more critical security flaws than you can possibly manage, not to mention ad-ware and spyware - I was really starting to think Windows might not be all it's cracked up to be. What's sad is it's this kind of thing that just 'makes it ok' for the corporate IT folks in today's companies to keep on recommending the wide spread use of Microsoft technology in their organizations. Can you imagine this being acceptable in any other facet of life? Cars, homes, clothing, anything - if those items suffered the same effects that Windows does - those companies would be utterly abandoned by their customers but in today's MCSE trained world, they tend to drink deep the Redmond Kool-Aid. I wonder if Mr. Nash was in Baghdad a few years ago doing PR work? "There are no American tanks in Baghdad!"  

Slashdot discussion