Perhaps I need a better understanding of what open source means, but how can a program that is openly publishing its code not be super vulnerable to cyber security threats. That’s like a bank publishing exactly how all it’s security works right? Obviously I’m missing something here, so ELI5!
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Well yes, but also no. If you were to share how your home security system works, that of course in theory makes it easier for burglars to break in to your house, both by revealing how the security works and potentially revealing any weaknesses you might not know about. But on the other hand, if your reason for revealing that publicly is because there are hundreds and hundreds of independent people who for some reason have an interest in making sure your home is secure, and wish to collaborate with you on doing that, then they’re all checking your’s and each other’s work to make sure those vulnerabilities are solved. So there are advantages and disadvantages. Large open source projects that are of interest to may different parties probably don’t have to worry about this problem as much, while smaller ones definitely do.
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