I think there are very good reasons why C and UNIX were successful and are still around as foundational technologies. Nor do I think C or UNIX legacy are the real problem we have with security. Instead, complexity is the problem.

Starting by being available for free with source code tapes, and a commented source code book.

History would certainly have taken a different path when AT&T was allowed to profit from Bell Labs work, as their attempts to later regain control from UNIX prove.

Unfortunately that seems the majority opinion on WG14, only changed thanks to government and industry pressure.