If the source code to released products had been stolen, it could present a threat to IT managers, said Bruce Schneier, founder and CTO of Counterpane Internet Security, San Jose, Calif., a consulting firm. Hackers would have an opportunity to comb over the source code looking for security flaws. But Pescatore said even if the hackers were able to access source code for major products, it would not present a significant threat to IT managers. Microsoft shares its source code with hardware vendors, independent software vendors, and universities. Human beings are very bad at keeping secrets.
Someone leaves the company and still has access to the code.
While disruptive, the attack may not have dire consequences for Microsoft, said Keith Blackwell, CEO of Bristol Technologies, Bridgeport, Conn., which has had rights to some parts of Windows source code, Blackwell said. That would verified before it would go out. The chances of something being put something in and have it reach the consumer is virtually zero.