What happens when Google's open-source program manager Chris DiBona reads one too many false claims about the nature of open source software? He takes to his soapbox on Google+ to put everyone in check.

That's exactly what happened a couple of days ago after DiBona read yet another article pounding the nature of open source, citing that it's "inherently insecure." Like any advocate for a cause would do, DiBona immediately set out to uncover the truth about security in an open source environment, paying particular attention to mobile operating systems, including Android and iOS.

No major cell phone has a 'virus' problem in the traditional sense that Windows and some Mac machines have seen. There have been some little things, but they haven't gotten very far due to the user sandboxing models and the nature of the underlying kernels. No Linux desktop has a real virus problem. Yes, virus companies are playing on your fears to try to sell you bs protection software for Android, RIM and IOS. They are charlatans and scammers. If you work for a company selling virus protection for android, rim or IOS you should be ashamed of yourself.

Pretty strong words, no? DiBona went on to say that a "virus of the traditional kind" on a mobile device "is possible, but not probable," and each time an analyst firm claims there is a virus infecting iOS, Android, or RIM devices they are "not being honest" and "extraordinary claims need extraordinary evidence."

In a nutshell, don't believe everything you ready about mobile viruses, because it's probably not true anyway.

Are you uninstalling that AV app yet?

[G+ via Cnet]