Subj : Re: macOS 26
To   : Nightfox[U
From : apam
Date : Thu Sep 25 2025 03:57:24

 > Sort of related and also not - Years ago, I had a job interview where
 > the interviewer asked me what I thought about Linux (I tend to like
 > Linux). He said he thought that since Linux is open-source, anyone
 > could probably go in and put malware into Linux; on the other hand,
 > Windows is developed by a small team of people who are paid (and thus
 > motivated) to make Windows a good and secure operating system.  At
 > first I didn't know if he was trolling me, but I think he was being
 > serious. 

Well people have done exactly that. It's why they have code reviewing
processes by maintainers, but there's nothing stopping people trying, and
they have succeded, just look at the XZ issue a while ago.

I also remember a university deliberatly submitting patches to the kernel
to introduce malware - it was for "research purposes" I guess to see if
they could. They got caught though and banned from submitting patches.

But yes, anyone can put malware into stuff, if it's a disgruntled
employee on a small team or some person x submitting a PR

But really who knows if linus is not an evil hacker in truth putting back
doors in linux.. we know because a) he has a good reputation and b) the
code can be viewed and audited.

Your interviewer isn't wrong, as most people don't have the time or
skillset to audit opensource software, so I guess it comes down to trust.
Who do you trust more?

Andrew


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