Security News > 2021 > February > Google funds Linux maintainers to boost Linux kernel security

Together with the Linux Foundation, Google announced today that they would fund two Linux kernel developers' efforts as full-time maintainers exclusively focused on improving Linux security.

"While there are thousands of Linux kernel developers, all of whom take security into consideration as the due course of their work, this contribution from Google to underwrite two full-time Linux security maintainers signals the importance of security in the ongoing sustainability of open-source software," the Linux Foundation said in a statement released today.

Over 20,000 Linux contributors have made more than one million commits since August 2020, with Linux kernel devs always considering code security.

Despite this, Google's underwriting of two full-time Linux security maintainers further highlights the importance of security in open-source software.

"Ensuring the security of the Linux kernel is extremely important as it's a critical part of modern computing and infrastructure. It requires us all to assist in any way we can to ensure that it is sustainably secure," Linux Foundation's Director of Open Source Supply Chain Security David A. Wheeler said.

"We extend a special thanks to Google for underwriting Gustavo and Nathan's Linux kernel security development work along with a thank you to all the maintainers, developers and organizations who have made the Linux kernel a collaborative global success."

News URL

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/google-funds-linux-maintainers-to-boost-linux-kernel-security/