Open-source software that is free to download, deploy and modify is a vital component in the fight for cyber security. Freely available software not only helps defend systems that would otherwise be unprotected, but it also allows people to learn and develop vital cybersecurity skills. In this post, we review how Cisco Talos supports open-source software and initiatives.
The adoption of the early World Wide Web was greatly helped by free software. The GNU Project and the Apache Software Foundation released programs allowing anyone to create their own webserver. Administrators and engineers could practice and hone their skills in operating and developing on the platform, leading to a motivated, self-trained workforce that could apply their skills.
Open-source software helps drive innovation. Depending on the terms of the license, open-source software can be incorporated into new software packages and services. This allows innovators to focus on providing new functionality and solving problems without having to spend valuable development time replicating perfectly good software that is already available.
Developers need and deserve recompense; everyone needs to eat and pay their bills. However, open-source software is often developed as a non-commercial endeavor to solve a particular problem or to provide functionality that is too important to be left to the whims of private commerce. The inclusion of open-source software in other projects and services can help open-source developers fulfill objectives in spreading the open-source creed, through solving a problem well or supporting the wider community. Often, the success of an open-source project can bring employment opportunities to those who are skilled in developing or maintaining the original software, or commercial licensing opportunities.
Cisco and Talos are committed to protecting the internet. One of the ways that we achieve this is by refresher talos source tools importance source community
