Windows 10 Source Code to be Made Public

Another Hack and Push for Windows to be made public 

Three weeks ago, Microsoft’s Windows 10 source code was leaked by Beta archive, and ever since there has been much hue and cry about the leaks in the tech world, inviting all sorts of criticism, comments, and advice. Users are concerned about the safety of their data and are wondering why anyone would use Microsoft Cloud or Windows Server since the company cannot even secure their own source code. 

This is unfortunate for the company; especially, when the Microsoft users were recently attacked by “WannaCry” virus that affected some 75000 computers in 99 countries. The attack forced the company to revert to its sixteen years old XP version. Not only that, Microsoft’s upcoming Window 10 S is reported to be vulnerable to ransomware, as Hacker House security researcher was able to hack into its operating system.

According to the Express, the most anxiety-inducing part of the company is that the leaks did not only have data but the private debugging symbols as well, which helped programmers and developers identify what codes are needed for certain functions or data.

According to The Verge, the data was available on beta Archives website for an extended period, months or even years, which adds to the concerns regarding the systems’ security. 

What does it mean? 

This means that the Windows 10 may not be completely secure from viruses. The code that showed up on betaarchive.com was the one that Microsoft used exclusively with its partners, and for it to show up on another website is a matter of grave concern. Although most of the important information has been removed from betaarchive.com, the code has been exposed, and a lot of confidential information has been shared. Without the knowledge of how many beans are spilled and who had access to those beans, it would be difficult for the company to maintain security unless it completely erases everything and starts anew. 

Windows - an open source: 

For Microsoft, the hack was a long time coming. You cannot share your source with the third party and expect it to remain secure. 

To tackle the situation, the company has indefinitely extended its Bug Program, which was going to expire two months ago. Critics believe that Bug Program is not a long-term solution because as long as the company has bug bounties, white hats will be all over it. 

With this new incident, there is an even greater push to turn Windows into an open source. It would be company’s long-term benefit if it could open-source the codes that are linked to OS. 

It is high time that Microsoft should understand that the future of tech lies in open-sourcing. Already, its competitor Linux is gaining control over the market with its open-source operating system and also OSES by Google Android is used in the majority of the world’s devices: laptop, tablet, smartphones, you name it. Open-sourcing OS would have many advantages. According to CNET, “Open code is easier to test, easier to shape, easier to build into something else. And if the OS is more widely used, that means a bigger audience for the Microsoft applications that run on Windows.” 

It is true that Microsoft has been giving away one version of its Windows for free, but it does not share the codes, so it is not an open source, technically. The company has already paid a high price by ignoring the trend and keeping a firm grip on its product. Microsoft needs to realize that unless it makes the codes available to the public, the bugs will continue to infest its systems.

PS: As a matter-of-fact, I have been in love with products of Microsoft. I have even been making Microsoft .NET Software Products for the last 10 years and hope to continue developing them. I must admit that Microsoft has been awesome in developing their products and releasing them to the market which has eventually built up a sense of trust and safety in my mind while I use Microsoft products. It is my humble request to Microsoft not to waste decades of trust building in mistakes due to over-trust in your trusted partners. I hope that Microsoft shall eventually learn from its mistakes, and shall make a nice comeback with another awesome product in the market.

I am Elias El Khoury, and I write about technological innovations that would influence the business world. If you have any queries related to that, please feel free to contact me.