IP: more on : Government questions over Windows XP security flaws

[David Farber <dave@farber.net>]

> To: farber@cis.upenn.edu
> X-Image-URL: http://www.transsys.com/louie/images/louie-mail.jpg
> From: "Louis A. Mamakos" <louie@TransSys.COM>
>
>
> > The government's rare interest in the problems with Windows XP
> > software,  which is expected to be widely adopted by consumers,
> > illustrates U.S.  concerns about risks to the Internet.
>
> I really wish that folks reporting these stories would not confuse
> poorly implemented end-systems with Internet infrastructure.  Should
> the end systems in question be attacked, hacked or otherwise disabled,
> mostly the rest of us on the Internet probably won't care.
>
> This is like worrying about the safety of the Interstate highway system
> in the face of exploding Ford Pinto fuel tanks.  Yes, this is
> a problem that needs to be worried about, but this isn't intrinsicly
> an infrastructure risk.
>
> If there are concerns about the general internet infrastructure, then
> that's a fine thing to worry about.  The fact that Windows is enabling
> end-users to get screwed is different issue, probably one that the
> FTC should start getting worried about.
>
> louie

For archives see:
http://www.interesting-people.org/archives/interesting-people/