Mozilla strengthened its commitment to security with the hire of a former Microsoft executive who was responsible for some of the security functionality within Windows XP SP2 and Windows 2003.

Window Snyder will head Mozilla's long-term security strategy planning, a job previously handled by engineering vice president Mike Schropfer. Mozilla said Synder's advocacy for an open security process played a large part in the decision to hire her.

"Window has joined MozCorp recently as our new 'Chief Security Something' (that's a working title :-))," Schropfer wrote in a blog posting. "She'll be the public voice of Mozilla Corporation on security issues and helping to drive our long-term security strategy."

Snyder had most recently held the position of Chief Technology Officer at New York City-based Montasano Security, after leaving Microsoft in 2005. Prior to working at Microsoft, she was Director of Security Architecture at @stake, a digital security consulting firm.

The issue of security is an ever more important issue for Mozilla as it continues to grow market share. In a recent survey, OneStat.com indicated Firefox had nearly a 16 percent share in the United States, compared to just under 80 percent for Internet Explorer.

"We've been looking for someone with the right mix of technical ability, communication skills, and shared values with Mozilla for this role - and we are lucky to have Window on our side," Schropfer said.