MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., Oct. 28, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq: SNPS) today announced that Howard A. Schmidt, former cyber advisor to Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, has been named Synopsys' security advisor. In this newly established position, he will advise Dr. Chi-Foon Chan, Synopsys president and co-CEO, and the company's software integrity group on a broad range of security-related matters central to the software that is increasingly impacting our daily lives. 

"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," said Dr. Chan.  "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."

"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," said Howard A. Schmidt, security advisor to the Office of the President, Synopsys. "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."

Mr. Schmidt serves as a partner in the strategic advisory firm, Ridge-Schmidt Cyber, an executive services firm that helps leaders in business and government navigate the increasing demands of cybersecurity. He serves in this position with Tom Ridge, the first secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.  He 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.

He served as special assistant to the President and the cybersecurity coordinator for the federal government. In this role Mr. Schmidt was responsible for coordinating interagency cybersecurity policy development and implementation and for coordinating engagement with federal, state, local, international, and private sector cybersecurity partners.

Previously, Mr. Schmidt was the president and CEO of the Information Security Forum (ISF). Before ISF, he served as vice president and chief information security officer and chief security strategist for eBay Inc., and formerly operated as the chief security officer for Microsoft Corp. He also served as chief security strategist for the US-CERT.

To view Mr. Schmidt's expanded biography, please visit http://www.ridgeschmidtcyber.com/has-bio2.html.

Synopsys entered the software quality and security market with its acquisition of Coverity in the spring of 2014. As an established leader providing the global semiconductor industry with the electronic design automation (EDA) tools and semiconductor IP needed to design the advanced chips found in today's electronics, Synopsys' products represent more than 400 million lines of code. Synopsys was one of Coverity's first customers because it recognized early on the importance of software quality. Today, Synopsys is focusing on improving the security and quality of software deliverables by integrating sophisticated, accurate analysis technologies into the software development process. Synopsys offers products under the Coverity, Codenomicon and Seeker brands which provide early insight into highly relevant defects, vulnerabilities and threats with actionable remediation guidance and real-time visibility that enable organizations to better manage risk and efficiency.

About Synopsys

Synopsys, Inc. (Nasdaq:SNPS) is the Silicon to Software™ partner for innovative companies developing the electronic products and software applications we rely on every day. As the world's 16^th largest software company, Synopsys has a long history of being a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA) and semiconductor IP, and is also growing its leadership in software quality and security solutions. Whether you're a system-on-chip (SoC) designer creating advanced semiconductors, or a software developer writing applications that require the highest quality and security, Synopsys has the solutions needed to deliver innovative, high-quality, secure products. Learn more at www.synopsys.com.

Editorial Contact:
Yvette Huygen 
Synopsys, Inc.
650-584-4547
yvetteh@synopsys.com

Investor Contact:
Lisa L. Ewbank 
Synopsys, Inc.
650-584-1901
Synopsys-ir@synopsys.com

SOURCE Synopsys, Inc.