Howard Schmidt, a former cyber adviser to Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, was named as security adviser for Synopsys, Inc. [SNPS], the company said Wednesday.
As security adviser, Schmidt will advise Synopsys president and co-CEO Chi-Foon Chan as well as the company’s software integrity group on a range of security matters, the company said.
“Howard’s extensive background in cybersecurity will be a tremendous asset as we build out our software integrity platform. The impact of today’s security breaches, whether it be to the financial services, automotive or medical markets, underscores just how integral security is to overall software quality and integrity. Howard’s expertise supports our vision of bringing a rigorous ‘sign-off’ process to the software development life cycle to increase quality and security. I look forward to his contributions as we expand our presence and influence in this important space,” Chan said
“While Synopsys may be a relative newcomer to the commercial software quality and security market, it’s clear they have a deep understanding of the increasing criticality of software quality and security and its potentially devastating impact on a business’ profitability and brand when software integrity is compromised,” Schmidt said
“The fact that Synopsys is collaborating with Underwriters Laboratories to create the first ever Cybersecurity Assurance Program (CAP) confirms for me their commitment to improving software quality and security. I’m excited to join Synopsys in this advisory role and look forward to contributing to their vision of increasing software integrity,” he added.
Schmidt is also a partner at the strategic advisory executive services firm Ridge-Schmidt Cyber along with Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Schmidt also serves as executive director of The Software Assurance Forum for Excellence in Code (SAFECode).
“Mr. Schmidt brings together talents in business, defense, intelligence, law enforcement, privacy, academia and international relations, gained from a distinguished career spanning 40 years,” Synopsys said.
Schmidt previously served in federal government as special assisting to the president, cybersecurity coordinator for the federal government, and chief security strategist for US-CERT. He was also previously the president and CEO of the Information Security Forum (ISF), vice president and chief information security officer (CISO) and chief security strategist for eBay Inc. [EBAY], and chief security officer (CSO) for Microsoft [MSFT].
Synopsys focuses on improving the security and quality of software deliverables by integrating analysis technologies into the software development process, the company said. It has products under the Coverity, Codenomicon, and Seeker brands.