“Microsoft denies that the _NSAKEY provides the National
Security Agency with a backdoor to Windows files, and reassures
customers that the recent crack of its network does not endanger
Windows security. But unless Microsoft opens the source code for
Windows so we can see for ourselves, we can never really have
confidence in Windows security again.“
“[W]hen a software company will not make the source code for a
product available, one must put one’s faith in something called
security through obscurity. The argument for security through
obscurity is simple. If crackers could get to the source code, it
would be easy for them to find ways to exploit weaknesses in the
product.”
“While that sounds like a logical argument, it is easily
refuted. If you are not already convinced by the numerous Windows,
Internet Explorer, and Microsoft Outlook exploits, then pay a visit
to Game Copy World (see Resources for a link) sometime. You’ll see
just how easy it is for people to break the copy protection for
games without having to see the source code. The site often
publishes copy protection workarounds the same day a game is
released. (By the way, I believe Game Copy World is actually
providing a legitimate and valuable service. As someone with young
children, I can confirm the need to make backup copies of games
that get scratched and ruined by reckless little fingers.)”