Quality is Priority Zero, Especially for Security

Software defects are not uncommon, but what sets great companies apart is how quickly they respond and put the customer first. While that is a challenge in any domain, security software defects are a unique beast. Our products can be the first line of defense or the last, depending on the solution. The cost of failure in security is catastrophic — and I say that without exaggeration.

“For a security product, quality is more than a technical measure; it’s a form of security in itself.”

This is an important lesson I’ve learned over the past 25 years in the cybersecurity industry. For example, when McAfee.com was acquired by Network Associates, I received a welcome gift from Chris Bolin — Test-Driven Development by Kent Beck. Chris, then head of engineering, emphasized a core principle that has stayed with me: Developers must own the quality of the products they build. From ...