The secure way to use open source

Abstract

Open source software long ago shrugged off its ‘fringe’ image and is now a core component in a great many solutions. These include commercial software, operating systems and bespoke code. But while much of the open source codebase has accrued a reputation for reliability and flexibility, there have also been some high-profile and highly dangerous vulnerabilities discovered in the code. In this interview, Patrick Carey, director of product marketing at Black Duck Software, explains how open source software can open the door to major threats – but also what you can do to enable the safe and effective use of the code. Open source software long ago shrugged off its ‘fringe’ image and is now a core component in a great many solutions, including commercial software and operating systems. But while much of the open source codebase has accrued a reputation for reliability and flexibility, there have also been some high-profile and highly dangerous vulnerabilities discovered in the code. In this interview, Patrick Carey of Black Duck Software explains how open source software can open the door to major threats – but also what you can do to enable the safe and effective use of the code.