Is open source software really more secure?

In general, open source software is considered particularly secure. This is mainly due to three factors, all of which relate to the open source code of open source software. Whether this really makes the software more secure is a point of contention among external parties to this day.

How secure is Open Source Software?

Open Source Software is defined by its open source code, which is available to every user. The idea behind this is that information should be freely available so that progress can be made in large collaborative projects. In contrast, the code of conventional software is a well-guarded trade secret that is not allowed to leak out. From the free source code some advantages result in relation to the security of software. However, there are also limitations.

These are the advantages of open source

1. Transparency: The overriding principle of open source software is open source code. This means that the code of a software is available for everyone to see. Programmers can thus change the code of open source software and write their own extensions.
2. Less vulnerable to malware: Due to the lower market share of open source and the community principle of free software, it is less interesting for hackers. Hardly any maleware exists for open sourc software.
3. Verifiable: Due to the open code, programmers can search open source software for bugs and security vulnerabilities. With conventional software, this is done by external companies, on whose certificates the user must rely blindly.

These problems exist

1. Open source code is really checked by too few programmers, which is why security vulnerabilities are not always found.
2. Found security holes may not be closed quickly enough, because the developer community reacts too slowly.