this post was submitted on 25 Apr 2025
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With FOSS, what is to stop scammers from hiding malware or worse in their programs? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 day ago by applemao@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.world
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Something I've wondered. One of those "too good to be true, it probably is" type things. With all the FOSS especially for linux, installing package after package because a web search said it would fix your problem, how is it Linux isn't full of malware and such?

Id like to understand better so I can explain to others who are afraid of FOSS for those reasons. My best response is that since it's open source, people can see what it's doing and would right away notice something malicious. I wouldn't, since I'm not that into code, but others would.

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[–] hperrin@lemmy.ca 7 points 15 hours ago* (last edited 15 hours ago)

If it’s open source, then the source code of the malware is also open. Generally, binary blobs aren’t included in open source programs, and when they are with no good explanation, it raises a lot of suspicions.

Closed source is where malware can readily be hidden, which is why there is tons of malware hidden in Windows and Android apps.