From what I've read, including the above link, there is some general skepticism about this claim. The code audit that followed the allegations seemed to help iron out even more bugs, making openBSD even more secure.
But I would be cautious about wanting to work in the world of thinktanks and policy institutes. Thinktanks, like policy makers, are influenced heavily by the ideology of the donors who support them.
One way you could make a significant, positive impact on society (without compromising your conscience, I hope!) is to volunteer at your local homeless shelter.
Administrators are setting the priorities of expenditures. In so-called "fiscal emergency," administrators have opted to cut academic programs and freeze hiring in teaching while at the same time increasing expenditures on bureaucracy. The article cites abundant examples.