Microsoft  recently announced that it has adapted its internal software development model to accommodate something called Agile Development.

What that means to you and me is that the next generation of Microsoft products for the web, may not be developed with the giant’s historical approach regarding security.

Agile development leans toward the collaborative approach to software development, similar to the processes made popular by Six Sigma and the Toyota 5S methodology.

Network World reports:  “This makes sense as Agile’s focus on teamwork and communication leaves plenty of room for improvisation….While Agile development has demonstrated its ROI value, the emphasis was always on rapid application and not necessarily security.”

We all know that there are plenty of cyber-kooks lurking out there and waiting to get us. These looming threats have never been worse. The good news is that the selection of security suites we can purchase to keep our systems safe has never been better.

This is why everyone needs an anti-virus, anti-spyware and firewall protection plan.  Any program you purchase from any vendor could leave you vulnerable to attack.

If you suspect a rogue program, Microsoft’s security site can probably give you the peace of mind that all weary web travelers need from time to time.