No IT Security Without Free Software

Presented at DeepSec 2020 „The Masquerade“, Unknown date/time (Unknown duration).

IT security is one of the most challenging global issues of recent years. But apart from the establishment of countless "cyber security" authorities, politics doesn't seem to come up with something substantial. However, Free Software can be the solution to many pressing security problems. In this session, we will look at pros and cons and use concrete examples to illustrate why security and openness are not contradictory.

For security professionals, the growing complexity of today's digital world is no big surprise. But decision-makers are often overwhelmed by these new challenges and the uncertainties they entail. As a result, many fall for cheap selling arguments for blackboxed solutions and lose sight of a general strategy.

We don't know the exact security threats in five or ten years, but it is obvious that nobody can face them alone. This is where Free and Open Source Software comes into play. However, transparency and openness may seem contra-intuitive when it comes to security.

Together, we will explore how this riddle can be solved sustainably. The talk will also cover potential disadvantages and cases of consideration as well as typical counterarguments.


Presenters:

  • Max Mehl - Free Software Foundation Europe
    Max Mehl is programme manager at the Free Software Foundation Europe (FSFE) and coordinates initiatives in the areas of politics, public awareness and licensing. But he is also frequently to be found in the virtual server room of the FSFE. He sees Free Software as an important component to solve urgent technical and social problems. Every day he is fascinated how many advantages software freedom brings for different aspects - from ethics to politics and economy to security technology.

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