There are almost more than a million unique Open Source web projects running today, which have also projected the growth of the enterprises. When people think of Open Source, the major concern for them are the security issues, hence it is very important now to determine the reality behind the Open Source software security while development.
The threat related to Open Source software is its vulnerability to security threats due to the access codes, which are not analyzed properly. The reality is that a different community of developers work together to counterfeit the solution with Open Source code, but they also work together towards producing new release and solving problems. Consequently, there are less problems, quick solutions, and fewer bugs. Moreover, the users can also evaluate the working of the actual code, and how the code was written. Developers also take great care of not releasing the codes with their names because of the fear of losing reliability and trustworthiness. Since the work done on Open Source is open to the public, the developers consistently strive and struggle in developing that product, which can earn them their due credibility and respect from the Open Source peers.
Myths about Open Source
There are a few myths also related to the open source:
Open Source costs no money
This is a wrong assumption that open source costs no money. A vendor of open source platform can charge you anything being an open source. You can always be charged for the licensing that you have acquired for using an open source platform, although there is no direct relationship.
Open Source costs no money
This myth has flourished because of the fact that it is possible to see the vulnerabilities in the source codes. To claim that proprietary software is comparatively more secure is wrong as it just denotes that you are closing all the windows and doors of the house keeping a few spaces open, and sit back thinking that the burglar will only check the ones that you have secured.
Open Source lacks support
One can always bring in a third party for consultation and support in the open source platform. There is no requirement for waiting for the proprietary vendor to get around addressing any issue.
How secure is open source software?
Open source and security go hand-in-hand. For example, Drupal. The process of drupal does not require to be carried out quickly or in haste to fix the problems before they become very huge. The statement that open source is secure may prove to be a surprise for those who go by the assumption that “security by obscurity” actually works. Taking help of the proprietary softwares and hoping that no one is checking the security flaws equal to welcoming disaster. Having a platform where everything is open can result in anybody fixing the issues whenever found, and hence open source is much secure as compared to any proprietary platform.
Take a look at the benefits that Open Source offers:
1) The codes can be modified according to and within your budget.
2) It assures continuity even after any Open Source leader leaves the project in between. The other leaders can take over the project.
3) The costs will be lower as most of the projects are non-commercial; hence they do not demand any fees.
4) It ensures lesser bugs and quick fixing solution.
5) Contrary to other software channels, it does not demand for buying any updates.
6) The quality of the projects can be enhanced as Open Source helps in improving real-time technology.
7) The tech department of any company can become smarter in terms of overall IT practices, tools, and resources through the internal alliance and Open Source communities.
The next challenge that Open Source faces is not being “enterprise ready”
