Stratechery Crashes and Competition
Jul 22, 2024
Delve into the architectural intricacies of Windows and the historical tensions with cybersecurity firms. Discover how Microsoft's actions shaped the competitive landscape, especially concerning its rivalry with Symantec. A major incident with CrowdStrike highlights the risks of third-party software, while discussions on security design stress the need for unrestricted access for developers. The dangers of monopolistic behavior in cybersecurity raise alarms about user data protection and the critical importance of fostering open competition.
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Kernel Access and System Stability
- Early Windows versions allowed third-party kernel access, impacting overall system stability.
- This openness, while enabling powerful software, made the entire system vulnerable to crashes from faulty third-party code.
Symantec, McAfee, and PatchGuard
- Symantec and McAfee fought Microsoft's attempt to restrict kernel access with PatchGuard in Vista.
- They argued it would decrease security and limit competition, prompting EU intervention and Microsoft's concession.
CrowdStrike Crash of 2024
- A faulty CrowdStrike update caused widespread Windows system crashes in July 2024.
- This incident highlighted the risks of third-party kernel access, impacting millions of computers.