Photos: Leading Microsoft's security crew

Google, Yahoo and Microsoft each agreed to give CNET News.com an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at their operations and strategies for our special report on the state and future of security on the Web.

Security lessons from the desktop and server realm can be applied to the world of online applications, says Pete Boden, senior director for MSN and Windows Live security at Microsoft.

"The same rules apply. It is not a new science, it is a different environment to apply the same science," said Boden. However, he stresses, "We have to be very careful not to get complacent about saying we understand the problem, because it is going to change right in front of our eyes."