I'm Solidly on the Side of Security on This One...

WikiLeaks, the organization that has published classified information in the interest of openness has gone too far this time.  On September 15th, WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange has posted "weaponized malware" on his website, including the password, because "Better scrutiny leads to reduced corruption and stronger democracies in all society’s institutions, including government, corporations and other organisations".  This software is designed for spying and hides itself from antivirus software.  There are versions that work on every major operating system including all common mobile versions.  His specific reason for releasing the software is so that security and privacy researchers can develop better detection techniques.  Is this guy serious!

David Gewirts, a blogger for ZDNet, says this is the equivalent of handing out vials of the ebola virus at the local mall so an antidote can be developed by biotech companies.  I agree with Gewirts.  The world became less safe today.  

Asange, Edward Snowden and others like them see themselves as heroes, protecting the world by disclosing secrets.  While there is value in doing so, it should be done responsibly.  Assange could've given the software to security companies and publicized that he had done so and achieved his goal of helping to develop better detection.  Now he's made it available to every script kiddie, mobster and corrupt government in the world.  Many will use it before there's a fix for it.  They may see themselves as making the world a better place, but in reality they took more of our freedom away and gave it to cybercriminals world wide.  



WikiLeaks. (2014). About. https://wikileaks.org/About.html

Gewirtz, D.  (2014, September 16). WikiLeaks posts 'weaponized malware' for all to download. [Web log post]. Retrieved from ZDNet website: http://www.zdnet.com/astonishingly-irresponsible-wikileaks-posts-weaponized-malware-for-all-to-download-7000033716.