Why the media loves to exaggerate Linux security problems

Posted by jimlynch on Mar 21, 2014 6:35 PM EDT
ITworld; By Jim Lynch
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In today's open source roundup: The media makes money by exaggerating Linux security problems. Plus: Is Android too much like a PC? And Linux Mint 17 name and release date announced.

I've learned to take media reports about Linux security problems with a huge grain of salt. In the past I've had a knee-jerk reaction to them, and that has not proven to be wise. Always remember that in the media "if it bleeds, it leads" and you'll understand why sensationalistic headlines involving Linux security get thrown around with reckless abandon.

It's much better to step back and calmly evaluate the reality of the situation instead of depending on the media to present facts in stories involving Linux security. Facts often tend to be boring, and don't make for compelling clickability in headlines. It's much easier to blast out a scary headline than it is to put problems in perspective in a reasonable and thoughtful way.

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