Google Leaves Windows Behind

Google has decided that it will no longer use Windows-based machines for its operations. Hence, it has begun a purge of everything Windows and the sound of hearts breaking is echoing a long way from Redmond. Google has stated that this decision is based on low security level that such a mass market operating inevitably ends up suffering form. Despite the ongoing feud with Apple, Google has named Mac as one of the replacement platforms. The other is of course Linux, which they have been using for quite some time now.

After Google has finished dumping Windows in favor of Linux and Mac, we might get to hear and see more of the fabled Google flavor Ubuntu that Moutain View is said to run at its HQ. However, they have shattered the myth of Macs being more secure in comparison. This has yet again reminded us that the Macs are less vulnerable to platform specific virus and malware attacks mainly because the market share is really low in comparison to Windows. Lower marektshare translates to lower profitability to malware vendors.

This decision comes as a welcome break to security experts who have been telling enterprises for years about not relying on one single platform for everything or for too long. That is a sure fire recipe for security disaster. By using only one system, you are ensuring that whoever wants to hack into your world, needs only to figure out how to hack through one platform. And if that one platform happens to be something as big and as popular as Windows, you are more or less done for.

In fact, the enterprise habit of not upgrading (and the software vendor habit of over-charging), often ensures that they remain vulnerable to security holes that have already been patched in later updates. But they might have some software that was written a decade ago and only runs on the system that was current back then. In an attempt to save money from the upgrades, they end up opening up the gates for attacks.

Now Google is not part of your general corporate lunkheadedness. They make their money from practically lording over the Internet. So they, of all people, know a thing or two about platforms and security. So they have been on mixed systems for a long time now. However, one recent incident might have triggered off this move to phase out Windows.

Apparently, a Windows machine was a key element to the China hacking attack at Google. A Windows PC was used to gain access to Google internal network and Google has never been the same again (probably). Those of you still stuck to Macs, to realize however that it is stupid to be complacent about security on your platform just because it is at negligible risk right now.

As the market penetration for Macs increase, it might turn out to be the next Windows. In the case of Linux, they very thing that holds it back might actually save it from being an early victim even after a mass adoption — its multiplicity. Linux distributions do share the kernel in common but each system is built differently and uses any combination of the multitude of elements that are available for Linux.

But now matter how secure the platform is or is not, online attack vectors act like a great leveling plane. If you are going to click all suspicious links coming to you on email and if you are going give out your personal information at the drop of a hat, nothing in this world can save you from having your identity stolen and your bank account emptied. Worst still, having kiddy porn downloaded on to your system automatically with a handy notification sent to the Bureau. It has happened once my friend and it will happen again if you are not careful enough.

But a little bit of wariness goes a long way. So do remember to check things like the URL, the encryption lock, etc. And try not to send your sensitive data as clear text. Use some form of encryption. Don’t ever put it down if you don’t have to. Remember, your brain is still hack-proof. At least digitally it still is.

But if you are running any kind of company and need to maintain databases and all, you have to remember that you are now responsible for not only your stupid mistakes but the multiple others who work for you or for the company that you are under. You cannot cure everybody off bad surfing habits but you can make sure that the system is less vulnerable. This is the time to switch to a multi-platform set-up. Just remind yourself of the old “do not put all your eggs in one basket” saying and convince yourself (or your boss) that you need this.

The path to this transition is not going to be smooth but you will at least have peace of mind knowing that your private data is not up for sale on some shady russian forum. Or worst still, you customers’ data might be on sale. I am no PR guy but I am pretty sure it won’t do your reputation in the market a good turn.

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This article was posted as Google Leaves Windows Behind at Otaku Gadgets.