Cybersecurity CEO, 54, Dies Suddenly Company Reveals Tragic Cause
Amit Yoran, a renowned cybersecurity leader and longtime entrepreneur, passed away on Friday after a courageous battle with cancer, his company, Tenable, announced. He was 54.
As the CEO and chairman of Tenable, a global cybersecurity company based in Columbia, Maryland, Yoran was a driving force in exposure management solutions. Tenable shared the news of his passing in a heartfelt statement on Saturday, describing him as a “visionary leader” whose impact reshaped the industry.
“It is with profound sadness that Tenable Holdings, Inc. announces the passing of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amit Yoran,” the statement read. “Amit passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He had been battling cancer.”
Yoran had taken a medical leave of absence on December 5, appointing CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond as interim co-CEOs. The two will continue in these roles while the company searches for a permanent successor.
In their tribute, Tenable praised Yoran’s dedication “A visionary leader and a pioneer in the cybersecurity industry, Amit dedicated his life to making the digital world safer. His relentless pursuit of innovation transformed Tenable into a global leader in exposure management.”
Before joining Tenable as CEO in 2016, Yoran held pivotal roles in the tech industry. He was the founding CEO of NetWitness, CEO of In-Q-Tel, and president of RSA, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions.
Art Coviello, Tenable’s lead independent director, described Yoran as “an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend.” Coviello added, “His passion for cybersecurity, strategic vision, and ability to inspire shaped Tenable’s culture and mission. His legacy will guide us forward.”
Born in November 1970 to Israeli immigrants, Yoran was a first-generation American. He graduated from the United States Military Academy with a degree in computer science and earned a master’s degree in computer security from George Washington University.
In addition to his corporate achievements, Yoran served as the founding director of the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team at the Department of Homeland Security, cementing his legacy as a cybersecurity pioneer.
Yoran is survived by his wife and three children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Under Yoran’s leadership, Tenable became a global cybersecurity powerhouse, protecting over 44,000 customers worldwide, including 65% of the Fortune 500 and 50% of the Global 2000. The company is best known for Nessus, its industry-leading vulnerability scanning software that helps organizations identify and manage cybersecurity risks.
Yoran’s vision and contributions have left an indelible mark on the cybersecurity world, inspiring innovation and progress in the fight to secure the digital landscape.