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Discussion: Part I: Linux vs. Windows - Security
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womackaj |
Part I: Linux vs. Windows - Security
Sep 2 2008, 1:07 AM EDT
One has to question whether the attacks occur so often on Windows because of its overwhelming market share, or because there are flaws in its design? There are several reasons for this. First, Windows has only recently developed a true multi-user system with Windows Vista and even that is debatable. Prior to that, malicious software was able to penetrate critical system programs or files, because Windows did not limit user access from these parts of the operating system. It was not until the release of Windows XP that Microsoft showed real effort to address these security issues. Windows XP did offer significantly better access restrictions and memory protection. However, Windows set the Administrator account as the default account. Therefore, the user has to set up a standard account which had limited system privileges. Most users did not create a standard account, but instead choose to run under their Administrator account. Windows made more improvements with Windows Server 2003, but it was still plagued by security vulnerabilities. Next, Windows is monolithic by design unlike Linux, which is modular. A monolithic architecture is where processing, data and the user interface all reside on the same system. Microsoft builds most features offered by competitors into its operating systems. While this makes it harder for rivals to compete with Microsoft, the integration of the operating system exposes the user’s system to significant risks. A monolithic system can be unstable. You can introduce many risks when even one piece of the system is changed (intentionally or not). This can create a domino effect with other system applications. In this environment, even something as simple as adding a patch or security update can fix one part of Windows, but cause problems in others. Do you find this valuable?
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