Overly broad permissions can turn one compromised account into a much larger security problem. Learn how to reduce unnecessary access, review privileges, and apply least privilege across modern Linux systems. Review Linux Privileges×
A Linux programmer reported a new victory in a German court Thursday in enforcing the General Public License, which governs countless projects in the free and open-source software realms. A Munich district court on Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction barring Fortinet, a maker of multipurpose security devices, from distributing products that include a Linux component called "initrd" that Harald Welte helped write. . In addition to being a Linux programmer, Welte runs an operation called the GPL Violations project that attempts to encourage companies shipping products incorporating GPL software to abide by the license terms. The license lets anyone use GPL software in products without paying a fee, but it requires that they provide the underlying source code for the GPL components when they ship such a product. The case highlights the ease with which open-source software can spread across the computing industry--but also the growing pains that companies face as they adjust to new legal concepts underlying the collaborative programming approach. Fortinet, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., said in a statement it's addressing the issue but is surprised that Welte resorted to legal action.. A recent court ruling in favor of an open-source developer highlights the critical role of GPL upholding in software licensing agreements.. GPL Enforcement, Open Source Software, Software Licensing. . Brittany Day
The federal investigation into last week's attacks on major Web sites has reportedly turned to at least one anonymous programmer believed to have written software that may have been used in the assaults. A programmer known only as "Mixter," who . . . . The federal investigation into last week's attacks on major Web sites has reportedly turned to at least one anonymous programmer believed to have written software that may have been used in the assaults. A programmer known only as "Mixter," who says he resides in Germany, has not been publicly accused in any of the cases and denies any responsibility for the "distributed denial of service" (DDoS) attacks. Mixter is part of a small group of underground programmers who say they create assault technologies that can be used in testing to improve Internet security. The recent attacks have renewed controversy over this practice, raising questions about whether these programs increase the potential for misuse when they are posted publicly online. In an interview Wednesday with CNET News.com at the height of last week's shutdowns, Mixter explained his actions and philosophy on technological security. Mixter: I am in fact the author of the programs called TFN and TFN2K, but not of Trinoo. The original Trinoo was made some months earlier than the first TFN, but unlike TFN, (it's) not distributed publicly...Stacheldraht isn't written by me. There have been many false rumors about this. There is another German hacker who goes by the name "Randomizer" who wrote that one. The link for this article located at News.com is no longer available. . The federal investigation into last week's attacks on major Web sites has reportedly turned to at le. federal, investigation, week's, attacks, major, sites, reportedly, turned. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
When the FBI arrested a Russian programmer this week on charges of criminal copyright violations, the government unwittingly ignited a powder keg of outrage. Web pages immediately sprouted to demand the release of Dmitry Sklyarov, who was visiting the United States . . . . When the FBI arrested a Russian programmer this week on charges of criminal copyright violations, the government unwittingly ignited a powder keg of outrage. Web pages immediately sprouted to demand the release of Dmitry Sklyarov, who was visiting the United States to describe his work at the Defcon hacker convention in Las Vegas. Newly minted activists set up a mailing list, launched a defense fund, and trashed Adobe Systems for urging the U.S. government to arrest Sklyarov on charges of circumventing its copy protection methods. Dmitry Sklyarov, a lead programmer for Russian software company ElcomSoft, was arrested Monday morning for distributing the company's Advanced eBook Processor. The link for this article located at Wired is no longer available. . The apprehension of a Russian software engineer by the FBI ignites intense public backlash and rallies for support; demonstrations unfold demanding the freedom of Dmitry Sklyarov.. Russian Programmer,Hacker Activism,Copyright Issues,Sklyarov Protests. . LinuxSecurity.com Team
Get the latest Linux and open source security news straight to your inbox.