Microsoft dominance poses security risk

[elektro80]

This is a bit off topic but here goes:

Report: Microsoft dominance poses security risk
By Robert Lemos
Staff Writer, CNET News.com
http://news.com.com/2100-1029-5081214.html

A computer industry group critical of Microsoft plans to release a report Wednesday asserting that the software giant's dominance in key technologies threatens the national infrastructure.

The report from the Computer and Communications Industry Association argues that the reliance on a single technology such as the Windows operating system for such an overwhelming majority of computer systems threatens the security of the U.S. economy and critical infrastructure, according to a draft seen by CNET News.com. The paper, written by a handful of security experts, also warns that many security improvements planned by Microsoft are likely designed to raise the barrier that deters customers from switching to another operating system.



"Under the guise of security, (Microsoft is) achieving lock-in," said Bruce Schneier, chief technology officer for network monitoring service Counterpane Internet Security and one of the paper's three authors. "It's using security technologies to extend the monopolies."


The report will be presented Wednesday to several key lawmakers and administration officials at the CCIA's 2003 Washington Caucus, according to the event's agenda. Another of the paper's authors, Dan Geer, chief technology officer for security firm @Stake, is scheduled to lead a discussion of the issues. Several members of Congress are slated to attend the event, including Rep. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif., Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Virg., and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore.

Full story at: http://news.com.com/2100-1029-5081214.html

CNET is a pretty OK news service and I recommend it. Worth checking out daily.