Summary: Entity associated with British spies says that for real security it is best to use GNU/Linux

YESTERDAY we posted some links about Ubuntu, including important news about CESG endorsing Ubuntu for security. There are not many reports about it, but there are some [1]. This is particularly important because although it's unlikely that CESG and GCHQ don't know about Windows being in bed with the NSA, it does in some way acknowledge GNU/Linux as the operating system of choice.

Just days ago it turned out that Microsoft reported serious flaws again [2] and the last batch of patches for Windows XP might be the last [3]. All that Windows XP will do from now on is phone home [4], potentially with very personal details. The latest patches themselves can contain new, specially-crafted (easy-to-exploit) back doors; nobody knows for sure, but it's likely. Now is a good time for every nation to move to GNU/Linux, especially in the public sector. ⬆

Related/contextual items from the news:

1. UK Govt report says Ubuntu 12.04 LTS is the most secure OS

   CESG, the Information Security Arm of GCHQ (Govt. of UK), conducted a series of tests in the last few months to review a set of 11 operating systems which currently run on various devices such as desktops, laptops, servers, mobile phones and tablets. The security assessment included the following categories:





2. Critical Microsoft, Adobe, and Oracle updates: Like dental floss for your PC

   Fed up with productivity-killing patches? Welcome to the club. Now install them.





3. Microsoft Patches Windows XP for Possibly Last Time





4. Windows XP Will Still Require Activation After Retirement

   Windows XP will be officially retired on April 8, but even though Microsoft is planning to stop releasing updates and security patches for the operating system, it doesn’t mean that you can use it free of charge.