Software should be bug free to check cyber threats: Vint Cerf

Bengaluru: Software designers have the ethical responsibility of keeping their product bug free in order to make the internet world a safe place for users. Vint Cerf, the Chief Internet Evangelist at Google, who is also widely known as one of the fathers of internet, opined the same at BITS Pilani's tech fest 'APOGEE'.

Cerf, who is the recipient of several prestigious awards including U.S. National Medal of Technology, Turing Award, Presidential Medal of Freedom, and more, said that as more devices become connected through the internet, it is important the software should have no mistakes.

"Bugs are simple, stupid mistakes. We have to figure out our ability to find mistakes in the software. Software creators have the great ethical responsibility to make it bug-free or they should at least know the way to fix the bugs after its distribution," said Cerf.

He said that rapid proliferation of connected devices make it imperative for the internet to keep it safe.

"There is also rapid spread of misinformation and disinformation, especially in social media. There are also issues related to privacy of individual users, banking frauds and other such things on the internet. While internet companies are devising methods to check such threats, we should also give emphasis on digital literacy," said Cerf.

He also said that 5G technology and rising usage of satellites would further push the spread of internet globally.