Open-source software is freely accessible and modifiable, offering transparency, customizability, and community-driven development. It ensures software security by identifying and fixing vulnerabilities, promoting innovation and collaboration, and giving organizations greater control over their technology. Open-source software is also cost-effective and can be customized to meet specific privacy and security needs. While the security of any software ultimately depends on its development, open-source software can be a more secure option than proprietary software due to its collaborative approach to development and review.