Padlock clicks shut on network stack project
Posted by Steve Revill Wed, 14 Mar 2018 15:54:00 GMT
We’re excited to be able to reveal two important steps in the overhaul of RISC OS’ creaking network stack today.
It’s a lock-in on step 1
After a number of briefcases containing keys were exchanged, and several complex meetings concluded in a three way handshake the bounty, which opened in February 2017, has now begun at a top secret location.
This particular bounty received a generous sponsorship from equally hush hush RISC OS Developments Ltd as part of their vision to improve that particular area of the OS. We’re very grateful for that, and invite other companies to present giant cardboard cheques to accelerate their favourite bounties towards each target amount too.
Image courtesy of Margo Wright and April McDonald
Even while compiling this article, service providers are announcing that support for insecure protocols are being dropped, and that security blunders mean actually checking certificates for validity or revocation is essential.
Once the next stable release is out of the way there will be an opportunity to test drive the new AcornSSL compatible module – opening up a raft of new possibilities connecting to web based services like banking apps, social media, and file sharing.
Doors open on step 2
In parallel with the work in progress of step 1, we’ve opened the next major part of the vision to replace the network stack before it’s old enough to drive a double decker bus.
This step is changing the core network stack components, which in itself isn’t too complex if done on a 1-for-1 basis, unfortunately so much of RISC OS relies on these vital services that the work has to take into account updating 40+ other parts of the OS too.
Based on an outline plan costed close to minimum wage the target amount is £14,100. With over 3,000 forum accounts currently, that’s less than £5 per person on average, or about the same amount as a 30 second peak time TV advert.
I’ll take the “top secret” stuff as some kind of security drill for 1st April. :) Apart from that, great to see progress!
Another few thousand expired or void certificates from Symantec shown the door.