hackers learn from open source ?

[dragongodz]

hmm am i the only one to think someone at McAfee must have been smoking something they shouldnt have ?

http://www.cio.com/blog_view.html?CID=23039

[Sirber]

like old carpet? suer they did :D

[unmei]

w00t they use open source CVS ?
Probably they also use visual studio..

[Sirber]

last spyware I got attacked with was in .NET 2.0.

booh .net booh!!

[Doom9]

hmm am i the only one to think someone at McAfee must have been smoking something they shouldnt have ?No, it's just the usual "closed source software is better" opium. Microsoft is a prime example to prove that closed source vs open source really doesn't matter.. all that matters is how you write a software. Many people working on open source projects are professional programmers and know exactly what they're doing..

[celtic_druid]

Well Microsoft would have teams of devs in different locations working on the same project and would still need to have some kind of CVS type setup, right?

How is that any different than a bunch of hackers around the world using a CVS to develope malware? Can I download the source to the bots they are talking about? Is the CVS anonymous? Is there a mailing list where we can discuss how to best steal peoples personal details and submit patches?

[videomixer9]

See my theory of recent detection of open source software as trojans seems to get a new kick to it ;P Is McAfee listed on the stock market, would be a nice way to make them lose a bit on their value, rumors are evil :P

[Doobie]

Warning: Hackers are using college programming courses and commercial programming packages to improve their dark art.

[D3s7]

I loved the "he wrote via instant message." in the quote

Nothing like modern tech allowing interviews to be done via IM

[unskinnyboy]

McAfee is smoking crack indeed. If all the malware authors wanted was a version-control system, they could very well have used a cracked version of commerical software like Microsoft's Visual SourceSafe or IBM's ClearCase. What would have McAfee said in that case? That Microsoft and IBM are aiding malware development?

The malware authors just chose CVS probably for its ease of use and superiority over the commercial products. This article is just designed to fuel OSS-phobia.

[duartix]

Sir unskinnyboy, you are the MAN!

[Revgen]

First of all, I can't understand why hackers would use an open-source method. McAfee, Symantec, and other Anti-Virus software programmers would track the development of these sources and create immediate fixes fast and easy.

2nd of all, Hackers are becoming paid mercenaries now. They are trying to sell their services to the highest bidder. I can't see why they would share their ideas with others including their professional peers in competition.

[Hard Core Rikki]

Well, they would learn. Same goes for everyone from anything that IS shared.

who told you they share their ideas with anyone? They see, learn and scram as soon as possible. Without contributing back with anything too...

it highly unlikely that they even buy the very software they use.