Re: [SLUG] Unpatched Linux Systems' Life Expectancy Increases

From: Daniel Jarboe (daniel.jarboe@gmail.com)
Date: Wed Dec 29 2004 - 14:53:01 EST


> > > Lance Spitzner attributes the lengthening lifespan of the systems to two
> > > things: newer default installations are more secure than older ones, and
> > > attackers are focusing on the more ubiquitous Windows systems.
> >
> > Honeynet president Lance Spitzner should know that Windows systems are
> > actually LESS ubiquitous now than they were three years ago...
>
> Um, Windows machines are "more ubiquitous" as opposed to Linux machines.

Eben, no-one is claiming otherwise. The point is that Spitzner was
saying one of the two reasons that the lifespan of unpatched linux
installations has increased is because attackers are focusing on the
more prevalent Windows. But linux installations have gained share
compared to windows installations in the last three years. So then
attackers should be spending proportionaly MORE time attacking linux.

Clearly the first argument (better default installations) carries more
weight, as the second collapses under its own faulty logic once
scrutinized.

~ Daniel
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