Systemd Creator Quits Microsoft to Form His Own Linux-focused Start Up

Linux Security Just Got a Major Upgrade: Lennart Poettering and Top Open Source Developers Launch Amutable

The Linux ecosystem is facing an unprecedented wave of cyber threats, from AI-generated malware to widespread crypto scams targeting users. In response, some of the most influential figures in open source development have joined forces to create Amutable, a Berlin-based company dedicated to revolutionizing Linux security through proactive, built-in integrity measures.

A Dream Team for Linux Security

At the helm of Amutable is a leadership trio that reads like a who’s who of Linux development. Lennart Poettering, the creator of systemd and one of the most influential figures in modern Linux, serves as Chief Engineer. He’s joined by Christian Brauner, a Linux kernel developer and LXC/Incus maintainer, as CTO, and Chris Kühl, an experienced open source contributor, as CEO.

But the talent doesn’t stop there. The company has assembled a team of seasoned developers who have contributed to critical projects including the Linux kernel itself, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, SUSE, Kubernetes, and container technologies like LXC and Incus. This collective expertise represents decades of experience in building and securing the very foundations of modern computing infrastructure.

A New Approach to Security

What makes Amutable different from existing security solutions? The company is taking a fundamentally different approach by building security and integrity directly into system foundations rather than bolting on protections after the fact.

As they explain on their website, Amutable aims to “bring determinism and verifiable integrity to Linux systems.” This means creating systems where trust and compliance aren’t afterthoughts or burdensome requirements, but natural outcomes of well-designed architecture and tooling.

The team is clear about their philosophy: “Integrity should be built into every critical infrastructure project. And an organization’s developer and operational teams should be able to meet trust and compliance goals as a natural result of good tooling and architecture, not as a burdensome detour.”

Moving Beyond Reactive Security

Traditional security approaches are largely reactive—waiting for threats to emerge and then responding. Amutable is flipping this model on its head by focusing on proactive measures that prevent security issues from arising in the first place.

“Over the coming months, we’ll be pouring foundations for verification and building robust capabilities on top,” the company states. This suggests they’re working on fundamental technologies that will enable new capabilities built on trust and integrity, rather than simply creating another layer of security software.

What This Means for Linux Users

For the millions of users and organizations that rely on Linux—from individual developers to massive cloud providers—Amutable’s work could represent a significant leap forward in system security. By embedding integrity verification and trust mechanisms directly into system foundations, they’re addressing security at a deeper level than traditional approaches.

This is particularly crucial as Linux continues to power everything from personal computers to the world’s most critical infrastructure. The stakes are high, and the need for robust, built-in security has never been greater.

Join the Conversation at FOSDEM

If you’re interested in learning more about Amutable’s vision and technology, you’re in luck. The team will be presenting at this year’s FOSDEM event on January 31 and February 1. FOSDEM is one of the largest gatherings of open source developers in Europe, and Amutable’s presence signals their commitment to engaging with the broader Linux community.

The best part? Attendance is completely free, making it accessible to anyone interested in the future of Linux security.

Get Involved

Organizations interested in discussing potential collaborations or learning more about Amutable’s work can get in touch through their website. They’re also offering a newsletter for updates on their progress and developments.

The Bottom Line

With Linux facing increasingly sophisticated threats and serving as the backbone for critical global infrastructure, Amutable’s mission couldn’t be more timely. By bringing together some of the most respected names in Linux development and focusing on proactive, built-in security, they’re positioning themselves to make a meaningful impact on how we think about and implement system integrity.

As Linux continues to grow in importance and face new security challenges, initiatives like Amutable represent the kind of innovative thinking needed to keep the platform secure and trustworthy for years to come.

Tags: Linux security, Amutable, Lennart Poettering, systemd, open source security, Linux kernel, proactive security, system integrity, FOSDEM 2026, Berlin tech, container security, Kubernetes security, Debian, Fedora, Ubuntu, SUSE, LXC, Incus, AI malware, crypto scams, critical infrastructure, built-in security, verification technology, trust and compliance, reactive vs proactive security, Linux foundation, Berlin startup, security innovation, system determinism, verifiable integrity

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