Can open-source software be secure?

This article examines whether open-source software can be secure, contrasting its transparency and community-driven fixes with closed-source’s reliance on internal expertise, and noting that both models harbor long-lived vulnerabilities (e.g., Log4j, CVE-2019-0859). It highlights evolving support mechanisms like bug bounty programs, public-private collaboration (including CISA’s open-source security roadmap), and the hybrid nature of modern software stacks. The core conclusion is that neither licensing model is inherently more secure; effective security depends on robust development practices, timely patching, and organizational responsiveness and contribution to the broader security community.