Windows NT4 and Windows2000 Source Code Pieces Leaked

[Ilwrath]

@step / bloodline -

That's really cynical. It was my first thought too.

Actually, I think they'll do that, also...  But, even worse, is this scenerio.

From the original Washington Post article, though, we even an even more omnious possibility....

Howard Schmidt, former head of security at Microsoft, said he was less concerned about the security implications of the leak than its potential threat to Microsoft's intellectual property.

"From a security standpoint, this is sort of like capturing a 1956 Russian fighter jet," he said. "Everyone has been beating on Windows 2000 and NT for a long time, and any flaws that may be found have likely been fixed long ago. Frankly, I'd be more worried that someone was going to use this as a base for developing software or another operating system based on Microsoft's proprietary code."

Schmidt left Microsoft in December 2001 to work as a cyber-security official in the Bush administration.

Oh boy, the SCO campaign is working so well, guess who else's source code got spread around.....  (sigh)

(edit - fixed a broken link)

[Ilwrath]

Otherwise it would just be an SCO tactic. And I very much doubt SCO will be successful, because that would mean anyone can point fingers at anyone with no proof/evidence whatsoever.

That's just the thing.  Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuits, SCO has ALREADY been highly successful.  They have had the chance to plaster FUD everywhere.  They have managed to slow the adoption of Free software, and, somehow, they have even found a few sympathisers along the way.

Now, imagine Microsoft launching a similar campaign.  They already have the size and employment numbers.  They already have the US government in their pocket.  They could probably win the FUD campaign AND the lawsuits against pretty much any target they choose....  Regardless of the facts.  Image is everything.  Facts can say whatever you want them to.  

What if the leaked code actually contained MS code taken from Linux?  Let's say some lazy Redmond programmers stole a few routines and took an extra vacation in the time they saved.  Well, those segments happened to be in the "leaked" code.  Now it's just a "he said / she said" argument over who wrote the code.  

Don't get me wrong.  I don't think Microsoft will go out and use this technique except as a last resort...  But a painful doomsday weapon it could be....