3 ms·

NSA has been contributing to Linux development for longer: http://www.nsa.gov/research/selinux/ http://www.nsa.gov/research/selinux/

• joe_the_user 17y ago
  Hmm, I feel much better about NSA involvement with Linux because of it's open source nature. The NSA could be working to patch security holes in Windows or it could be installing back doors or both. With Linux, it's clear they're patching security holes/vulnerabilities.
  • christopherolah 17y ago
    There's also the small matter of whether they should be using tax payers dollars to fund the development of a proprietary product. I realise that most people use Windows but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. And I'm not even American!
    • Niten 17y ago
      I get where you're coming from, but let me play devil's advocate. The NSA has a possibly unique position of being able to protect the United States' information infrastructure from emerging threats, on account of their well funded, top-secret research in this field. Now for better or for worse, Microsoft Windows plays a major role in US business infrastructure. So isn't it a good thing for the NSA to use its position to strengthen the USA against new attacks that, perhaps, only this agency has the ability to see coming?
    • tspiteri 17y ago
      Aren't Microsoft tax payers themselves?
      • po 17y ago
        Probably not. I would be surprised if their accounting department has not found ways to completely offset all of their tax liabilities. I know they don't pay state tax: http://crosscut.com/2008/02/02/microsoft/11167/ http://crosscut.com/2008/02/02/microsoft/11167/