Yes Microsoft loves Linux: Most open-source development work, as the name implies, is open source. The only exception is a few security steps. Unresolved security vulnerabilities are discussed behind closed doors.
So we had mentioned to previous publication that Microsoft was claiming a place in the private mailing list of Linux developers dealing with security, as yet another linux-distro programmer.
Sasha Levin, developer of the Microsoft Linux kernel - yes, there are - asked for access to Microsoft because, in short, the Microsoft is a Linux distributor.
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In particular, Microsoft provides many distro-type builds that do not exist in an existing distribution and are based on open source components.
These are:
- Azure Sphere: for IoT devices. It is Linux based and provides, among other things, security updates for IoT devices.
- Windows Subsystem for Linux v2: Linux-based and works like a virtual machine on Windows computers. WSL2 is currently available for public viewing and is scheduled for public release in early 2020.
- Products like Azure HDInsight and the service Azure Kubernetes provide public access to a Linux-based distribution.
In addition, Levin stated:
Microsoft has a long history of dealing with security issues through the [Microsoft Security Response Center] MSRC. We are able to create fast (<1-2 hours) results but require extensive testing and validation before creating these structures. As members of this mailing list we will provide assistance and have access to extensive testing.From today, Microsoft will also be able to access the private mailing list of Linux devs. Alexander "Solar Designer" Peslyak, a security developer and founder of the open source security website Openwall, announced Microsoft will join the list. Some people, however, are still opposed to the idea, Peslyak said that their claims were "irrelevant to the acceptance criteria established today". So the Microsoft Linux Systems Group will be officially added to the list no later than August 8, 2019.
George is still wondering what he is doing here….
