Avoid Non-Freedom Software

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The installation of proprietary and non-freedom software is strongly discouraged for system security, privacy and user freedom reasons.

For system security it is strongly advised to not install proprietary, non-freedom software. Instead, use of Free Software is recommended.

Possible risks associated with using non-freedom software:

• Potential advanced backdoors or malware in the software itself.
• Privacy breaches. Possibly key logger?
• Software that depends on third party servers could access identifying information for payments or logins linked to real identity.

For more information on installing third-party free software, consult the Foreign Sources page for advice. See also: Is It Ever a Good Thing to Use a Nonfree Program?

Open Source software like Qubes, Debian and Kicksecure is more secure than proprietary/closed source software. The public scrutiny of security by design has proven to be superior to security through obscurity. This aligns the software development process with Kerckhoffs' principle - the basis of modern cipher-systems design. This principle asserts that systems must be secure, even if the adversary knows everything about how they work. Generally speaking, Freedom Software projects are much more open and respectful of the privacy rights of users. Freedom Software projects also encourage security bug reports, open discussion, public fixes and review.

As Free Software pioneer Richard Stallman puts it:

• "... If you run a nonfree program on your computer, it denies your freedom; the main one harmed is you. ..."
• "Every nonfree program has a lord, a master -- and if you use the program, he is your master.“
• "To have the choice between proprietary software packages, is being able to choose your master. Freedom means not having a master. And in the area of computing, freedom means not using proprietary software."

Or as the GNU project puts it:

• Proprietary Software Is Often Malware

• Nonfree (proprietary) software is very often malware (designed to mistreat the user). Nonfree software is controlled by its developers, which puts them in a position of power over the users; that is the basic injustice. The developers and manufacturers often exercise that power to the detriment of the users they ought to serve.

• This typically takes the form of malicious functionalities.

• Some malicious functionalities are mediated by back doors.

• Back door: any feature of a program that enables someone who is not supposed to be in control of the computer where it is installed to send it commands. (added by editor "Most times without consent or awareness.")

The GNU project created a list with examples of Proprietary Back Doors. The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) has other examples of the use of back doors.

Related: Why Kicksecure is Freedom Software

See Also

• Miscellaneous Threats to User Freedom
• Kicksecure Policy on Non-Freedom Software
• non-freedom, proprietary, closed source firmware, CPU microcode and drivers
• Why Kicksecure is Freedom Software

Footnotes

Kicksecure A secure by default operating system with the latest security research in place.

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Kicksecure is proudly supported until 2025 by Power Up Privacy, a privacy advocacy group that seeks to supercharge privacy projects with resources so they can complete their mission of making our world a better place. (Strictly subject to our sponsorship policy.)

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