During the hearing, the hackers repeatedly were asked about possible legislation to make the computer industry take security issues more seriously. The answers weren t very satisfying. The ugly truth is that these companies have little incentive to produce rock-solid secure systems. Because Microsoft has a monopoly in operating systems, the Justice Department says, it is stifling innovation. The problem, however, isn t isolated within the Microsoft universe, it s epidemic in the hardware, software and telecommunications industries, according to any number of security experts.
Companies are merely reactive when it comes to security issues, instead of being pro-active.
While I d love nothing more than to see some of these arrogant corporate giants taken down a notch or two for allowing shoddy systems to proliferate, legislation is not the answer. While I d love nothing more than to see some of these arrogant corporate giants taken down a notch or two for allowing shoddy systems to proliferate, legislation is not the answer. Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates is right when he says that government has no business designing software. This means that the work of groups like L0pht and 2600 magazine are all that more vital to making the industry accountable. To be sure, some hackers are nothing more than digital juvenile delinquents.