INFORMATION SECURITY AND OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE

Abstract

In times of increasing dependence on computer systems, information security emerges as an important issue for public administrations. Many governments have made a transition to open source software; the reason being not just financial, but connected to increasing numbers of operating systems security issues. Having more control over the systems is also key. Some researchers speak in favour of proprietary software, others in favour of open source software. Data shows, however, that open source software leads over proprietary software in security mechanisms, although it is not without its limitations. This is the reason that states transitioning to open source software must take precautions in doing so.