open source

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1 INTRODUCTION

The aim of this paper is to define the terms ‘Information and Communication Technologies’ (hereinafter ‘ICT’ without emphasis), ‘ICT Security’ and ‘Open Source Software’ (hereinafter ‘OSS’ without emphasis). This paper will focus on discussing the concept of ‘ICT Security in OSS’ suggested in well-known sources (The UNESCO 2007; Bakari 2007; Open Source Software Work Group 2010; Australian Government Information Management Office 2011).

In literature and research multiple definitions of ICT can be found in the fields of science and technology by looking at various fields of technological aspects. UNESCO Bangkok defines ICT as the representative of all forms of devices that can manipulate information with the use of electronic means (2007, 1). The manipulation of information concerns many vulnerabilities and threats. These threats can cause major damage in system functionality. The process of detecting and eliminating these threats or vulnerabilities to ensure the reliability and confidentiality of data in any ICT system are known as ICT security (Bakari 2007, 4-5).

OSS is a kind of software where the source code is freely available. Source code is the backbone of any particular software program. OSS software can be distributed freely with or without modification. The development process of OSS is public. Any kinds of OSS solution can be reviewed, re-modified and re-distributed by various developers from various OSS communities (Australian Government Information Management Office 2011, 4.)

OSS is gaining popularities in the world of ICT because of its stability and rich security features. In this paper Chapter 2 focuses on discussing the security benefits and security vulnerabilities of adopting OSS. Based on t...

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...SS developer companies to grow.

3 CONCLUSON
OSS has provided creative solutions to business organisations. Transparent and cost-efficient implementation, independence, complete control over product, strong security measures undeniably are some of the greatest features of OSS.

3.1 ‘OSS’- FOR ENHANCED ICT SECURITY

OSS plays a very important role in the world of ICT. Software industries are heavily relying on OSS because of its reliability and strength in security. OSS is gaining popularity in European market. OSS systems are getting optimal security because of the frequent updates. Besides a widespread OSS community is always monitoring the source codes. To conclude, it can be said that even though OSS is not free of drawbacks, OSS is considered to be the first choice among the ICT users as well as business organisations because of the high security strength.

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