06.21.09
Gemini version available ♊︎Iran Uses Novell and Microsoft Software to Make Bombs
Summary: Novell and Microsoft a matter of national security, but whose?
THERE is an old slur about GNU/Linux being the operating system for “terrorists” (or something along those lines). Why does Microsoft get a free ride?
According to The Register, SLES 10 and Windows power some of Iran’s nuclear programs.
That second generation box, which has 16 dual-core and another 16 quad-core Opteron processors from Advanced Micro Devices, 98 GB of total memory, and 182 gigaflops of aggregate computing power, runs Novell’s SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 as well as Microsoft’s Windows Server 2003 Enterprise Edition.
[...]
While ComputerWorld and Iran Watch, a group dedicated to the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons technology to Iran, made much of the AMD iron and didn’t say anything about the Novell and Microsoft software, the real worry is what application software Iran is able to get its hands on to do finite element analysis and fluid mechanics in the design of the rockets.
To use some sarcasm, did Iran buy its SLES coupons from Microsoft? For software patents, obviously? Novell and Microsoft could probably issue a press release to rave about this deployment and quote the army regarding the “interoperability” advantage or "peace of mind" they receive from these coupons. Now, if only they could be sold “peace”, too.
In other security news, Microsoft’s friend Finjan [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7] is warning (again) about Windows botnets. From Heise:
Security services provider Finjan has released a report from its Malicious Code Research Center analysing a trading platform for botnets. According to the report, the underground trade in infected computers offers a comprehensive menu of botnets at locations all around the world. Some Far Eastern networks can be had for a mere $5 a thousand PCs.
Watch the role and effect of Windows malware in this process. From the BBC (days ago):
“This emerging threat is becoming very real and is already affecting millions and millions of websites. 30,000 web pages are affected every day according to the likes of Microsoft and the security firm Sophos,” said Mr Daswani who was a senior security engineer at Google.
Ask the FBI about Windows security [1, 2]. █
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twitter said,
June 21, 2009 at 11:55 am
Aww, you cut the best parts of the Register out.
They have what they need if they know what they are doing. The hardware is more than adequate for FEM work because the average PC is. The problem will really be finding someone who knows how to do it that is also willing to live in Iran. As The Register notes, the choice of Windows proves incompetence.
US provocation of Iran is a real danger. Iran has already used it’s most powerful weapon, oil, and it has indeed harmed the US economy. Informed opinion says that Iran is still years away from having bombs but that the US covets their oil and has been running low level military harassment and funding terrorists inside the country. It would be right for the US to back human rights in Iran but the groups chosen don’t do that. The net result of all of the provocation should be an atmosphere which promotes more obedience not less.
Tsue Desu said,
June 23, 2009 at 7:10 am
You know, sometimes I agree with the fanatics, but this time I think you have stepped too far into LALA land for me.
Firstly, Iran could have stolen the software or even used a version of Linux for nothing Legally. Secondly, the US and UK, and all those nice militaries who bomb little children while they sleep (by accident of course) use MS and Novell, and a host of other software.
You sir, have confused the tools with the acts. Do a google search for ‘America nuclear weapons research super computer’ and tell me what you find.
I am tired, I will watch and see where you go from here, but you need to examine the weighting of your statements. You cant rant and rave from the hypocritical. Iran hasnt bombed anyone… well not with a nuke.. but, do we remember who has. ( sneaky grin )
I wonder if this will make it onto your site… I sure hope so, for impartiality and all that
Roy Schestowitz Reply:
June 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 am
I thought the picture at the top and the part which says “To use some sarcasm” made it abundantly clear that it’s a tongue-in-cheek post.
Tsue Desu Reply:
June 23rd, 2009 at 9:21 am
* growl *
Must be my lack of caffeine or having a grumpy office day.