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When I worked in the DoD contracting space there were rules handed down that outlines what browser(s) and version(s) you MUST use due to security concerns. It w
by BinaryIdiot 9y ago
When I worked in the DoD contracting space there were rules handed down that outlines what browser(s) and version(s) you MUST use due to security concerns. It was always Firefox.
This may be an insanely stupid idea, but, as sort of a thought experiment: what would the fallout be if, say, Mozilla changed their license on Firefox to disallow the usage of their browser by government representatives and associated contractors unless they have a viable, open internet policy in their country? Maybe even restrict future updates to existing Firefox builds to require the same license change?
Might cause some significant headaches as they can't update to the latest IE on likely most of their systems and Chrome has too much Google functionality built into it that, I believe, they'd have to use Chromium.
Like I said, probably a dumb idea but I wanted to throw it out there as a thought exercise because I'm curious if something like this could be effective, much like the original internet blackout was.
- Jtsummers 9y agoNone. DoD doesn't require Firefox, Chrome, or IE. But the base install is typically IE only with the option to install Firefox or Chrome upon request. If anything, it'd hurt Firefox's market share, but would have no impact on the government beyond not being able to use it. Especially these days with sites making themselves Chrome-first like the damned IE-only sites from 20 years ago.
- BinaryIdiot 9y ago> None. DoD doesn't require Firefox, Chrome, or IE. But the base install is typically IE only with the option to install Firefox or Chrome upon request. Hmm, maybe depends on where you are in the crazy large DoD system. Our company was told the DNI office passed down requirements to use specific versions of Firefox and Firefox only for security purposes but IE was typically installed for when you were forced to use it. But it's also been 3 years now since I've been out of that space.
- deleted 9y ago[deleted]
- Jtsummers 9y agoThis is an example of the DoD's insane bureaucracy. I can absolutely see this being the requirement or recommendation passed on to contractors. But the USAF, in building their default images, uses IE only. Like I said, other browsers can be installed on request.
- BinaryIdiot 9y agoAh fair enough that's probably true. Though at the time we were told it would be considered a security violation if anything but Firefox version X.XX was used for govies or contractors. But who knows. I do not miss the insane amount of bureaucracy :)
- rolodato 9y agoIn that case it would stop being free software, which is likely not something that Mozilla wants to do.
- BinaryIdiot 9y agoOh that's a good point. It would be almost free which I guess would go against what they stand for.
- Sargos 9y agoAt this point they would just switch to Edge if they haven't already. It's secure and can also be locked down more by network policy.