RE: IE Web Browser: "Sitting Duck"

["Andrew Poodle" <andrewp () IRW co uk>]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: full-disclosure-admin () lists netsys com 
> [mailto:full-disclosure-admin () lists netsys com] On Behalf Of 
> Bruce Ediger
> Sent: 07 July 2004 13:41
> To: FULL-DISCLOSURE () lists netsys com
> Subject: andrewp () irw co uk - Email found in subject - RE: 
> [Full-Disclosure] IE Web Browser: "Sitting Duck"
<snip>
> At least in practice the unix-a-likes demonstrate more 
> security than the flavors of Windows, don't they?
>
> I mean, where's the linux chain mailer to equal SirCam?
>
> Where are the multiple linux worms to equal Code Red, Nimda, 
> Deloder, Witty, SQL Spida, Slammer, Blaster, MyDoom, etc etc etc?
<snip> 
> The evidence seems to suggest that Linux is more secure than 
> Windows, particularly in whatever ways cause susceptibility 
> to mass-mailers.

The evidence thus far does seem to "suggest" that linux and such is more
secure than Windows, but to that extent is that down to...
1: technical knowhow of the userbase tends to be higher, leading to the
correct updating, patching, firewalling and general confiuguration of
the machines
2: the %age of linux based machines in use, meaning it's a small enough
userbase that it's of a relatively low interest to those malicious
coders out there.

I'm sure that as the userbase of linux increases, and on average,
dumbs-down, so will the number of attempts at devising linux specific
trojans/exploits/viruses.

The nature of the linux OS means that it's likely that these will have
less impact than their existing MS counterparts.

Despite MS being accused of security through obscurity by not
publicising loopholes quick enough, it's ironic that Linux benefits from
a bit of security through obscurity due to it's relative small desktop
userbase.

Incidentally, I use both OS' regularly on my personal laptop (dual boot
Win XP Pro and SUSE Linux), although my development box at home is
Fedora Core 1, and I work for a predominatley MS consultancy and
developmenthouse, so you could consider myself well and truly on the
fence.

Regards

Andrew

--
Andrew Poodle
Consultant
IRW Solutions Group Ltd
17 Glasgow Road
Paisley
PA1 3QS

t: +44 (0) 141 842 1142
f: +44 (0) 141 842 1134
e: andrewp () irw co uk 
w: www.irw.co.uk

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