FC: Terrorists could use open source software to wreak havoc!

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

[Just because an entity receives MS cash does not necessarily mean MS 
dictates its opinions. Still, this is pretty silly. --Declan]

---

From: "Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>
To: <declan () well com>
Subject: Open Source Software May Offer Target for Terrorists, According to 
Study by Alexis de Tocqueville Institution
Date: Tue, 4 Jun 2002 09:43:54 -0400

IMHO, This press release is an updated version of red-baiting from the
cold war era.  Microsoft does provide funding to the ADTI folks, but it
is unclear if Microsoft sponsered this particular study.  Ironically the
ADTI Web site uses Apache.

Richard

http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?bw.053002/221502375

Open Source Software May Offer Target for Terrorists, According to Study
by Alexis de Tocqueville Institution's Committee for the Common Defense

    Business Editors

    WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 30, 2002--Terrorists trying to hack
or disrupt U.S. computer networks might find it easier if the federal
government attempts to switch to "open source" as some groups propose.
    "Opening the Open Source Debate", a soon to be released white paper
by Alexis de Tocqueville Institution details the complex issues
surrounding open source, particularly if federal agencies such as the
Department of Defense or the Federal Aviation Administration use
software that inherently requires that its blueprints, source code and
architecture is made widely available to any person interested - without
discretion.
    In a paper to be released next week, the Alexis de Tocqueville
Institution outlines how open source might facilitate efforts to disrupt
or sabotage electronic commerce, air traffic control or even sensitive
surveillance systems.
    Unlike proprietary software, open source software does not make the
underlying code of a software confidential.
    "Computer systems are the backbone to U.S. national security", says
Fossedal, chairman of the Alexis de Tocqueville Institution and its
Committee for the Common Defense, which will release the study. "Before
the Pentagon and other federal agencies make uninformed decision to
alter the very foundation of computer security, they should study the
potential consequences carefully."

    CONTACT: Alexis de Tocqueville Institution
             Ken Brown, 202/548-0006
             kenbrown () adti net
             www.adti.net

    KEYWORD: DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: E-COMMERCE GOVERNMENT INTERNET
    SOURCE: Alexis de Tocqueville Institution
  




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