Cybersecurity Leaders Launch Software Safety Institute
The nonprofit plans research and public education to examine software risks and strengthen developer accountability.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Nov 10, 2026
Lauren Zabierek and Bob Lord have launched the Software Safety Institute, a nonprofit that aims to reduce harm from insecure software through research, public education and policy development.
The founders previously established and jointly led the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Secure by Design initiative. Zabierek serves as CEO, and Lord serves as chief strategy officer.
The institute plans to examine incentives and development practices that allow preventable security defects to persist. It also intends to give policymakers and software buyers evidence to evaluate product safety and manufacturer responsibility.
Its planned work includes collaboration with government agencies, industry, academia, and civil society, according to the press release.
Board members include RSAC CEO Jen Easterly, CAS Strategies CEO Camille Stewart Gloster, Capital One cyber risk executive Eric Goldstein and Harvard Kennedy School Shorenstein Center Executive Director Laura Manley.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor of Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.