Re: Question Please Help!

From: Wartan Hachaturow (wart_at_softhome.net)
Date: 05/21/03 

Date: 21 May 2003 21:31:49 GMT

Bit Twister wrote:

>> Is Unix security better than Windows?
> Yes

I wouldn't answer this question with such a confidence.

>> Why is that?
> Security is in the design of the system.

Really? Do you really think that, for example, having an uid 0
account with the ultimate power is "secure"?

>> What makes it better?
> None of the software allows the regular user to install malware
> which can impact anyone else on the system.

Consider Windows NT and successors. Same argument applies.

"Security" is a word with a really, really broad range of meanings.
Yes, Unix-oriented services are generally written in a more secure
way, thus having less bugs that may lead to security problems.
Generally -- because I won't speak for every single piece of software
on Earth that runs on MS Windows or on Unix.
Yes, Unix systems are _generally_ being administered by skilled
people, and thus are more secure (by means of, for example, a number
of open unneeded tcp ports) -- but trust me, there are plenty of
lame root's out there, who's systems are less secure then Windows 98
unfirewalled on the Internet.
Yes, Windows-based systems require more work to stay up-to-date with
serivce packs, etc. and more work to get tuned to a "somewhat secure,
according to the current needs status", but that's how Microsoft
treats it. Skilled Windows admin may make it hard to break.
Most of the security problems on Windows come from the Microsoft's
idea that comfort is prevalent over security -- that's why, for example,
Outlook by default executes attachments. Unix isn't (generally, again)
meant to be used and administrated by a housewife.

So, It Depends :) 

-- 
Regards, Wartan.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: The Myth of the secure Mac
    ... >>> secure than Home. ... Though this really has nothing to do with security. ... >>> I, on the other hand, was speaking about overall Windows security, not ... I do believe that Microsoft could adjust their prices for the ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)
  • [NT] Cumulative Security Update for Internet Explorer (MS04-025)
    ... Get your security news from a reliable source. ... * Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 Service Pack 6a ... Navigation Method Cross-Domain Vulnerability ...
    (Securiteam)
  • Re: Windows Is Now More Secure Than Linux
    ... >OpenSSL is compiled into just about every 'secure' application in the Unix ... You know, a lot of people see me as a "Windows defender", mainly because I pop ... The solution, if there is one, to security problems, is to choose a supplier ...
    (comp.security.misc)
  • [NT] Vulnerability in HTML Help Allows Code Execution (MS05-001)
    ... The following security advisory is sent to the securiteam mailing list, and can be found at the SecuriTeam web site: http://www.securiteam.com ... Get your security news from a reliable source. ... * Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Microsoft Windows XP Service ...
    (Securiteam)
  • Re: The Myth of the secure Mac
    ... OEM Windows XP Home goes for a bit under $100. ... >> secure than Home. ... Though this really has nothing to do with security. ... Microsoft counts on third-party developers to provide more ...
    (comp.sys.mac.advocacy)