Amit Yoran, CEO Of US Cybersecurity Company Tenable, Dies At 54 After Battle With Cancer

Last Updated:January 06, 2025, 11:41 IST

Yoran had an influential career in the cybersecurity field, serving as president of RSA Security and Founder-CEO of NetWitness prior to his position at Tenable.

Amit Yoran's career was marked by influential leadership roles in the cybersecurity industry. (LinkedIn)

Amit Yoran, chairman and CEO of US cybersecurity company Tenable, has passed away at the age of 54 after losing a battle with cancer. Yoran had taken a brief medical leave early last month as he battled cancer.

Confirming his “unexpected" death in an official statement, Tenable said, “It is with profound sadness that Tenable Holdings, Inc. announces the passing of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amit Yoran."

“A visionary leader and a pioneer in the cybersecurity industry, Amit dedicated his life to making the digital world safer. His unwavering commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence transformed Tenable into a global leader in exposure management. His contributions to the field have left an indelible mark, not only on the company but on the broader cybersecurity community," the Maryland-based company said.

Tenable competes with Crowdstrike, Qualys and Rapid7 in selling software that businesses and governments use to monitor large computer networks for security vulnerabilities and anomalies that indicate cyber attacks.

Yoran joined Tenable in 2016, his latest in the cybersecurity field. He previously served as the president of RSA Security from 2014 to 2016. He also founded and led NetWitness as CEO between 2006 and 2011 before it was acquired by NSA.

Yoran also served as the Cybersecurity Director for the US Department of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2004 and he was one of the board members of the Centre for Internet Security since 2019.

‘Treatable Situation’: Yoran’s Final Message To Employees

Yoran had taken a medical leave of absence from December 5, 2024, after which the Tenable Board appointed Steve Vintz, CFO, and Mark Thurmond, COO, as Co-CEOs to ensure continued strategic execution and stability, according to the company.

The 54-year-old CEO had expected his leave to last only a few months and had asserted that his condition was a “treatable situation", according to a note published on his LinkedIn page. He also exuded confidence in Vintz and Thurmond to lead the company in his absence.

“We have much to do and there is no time to waste. As I take a brief pause to prioritise my health, I will stay as connected as I can while giving myself the space to heal fully. I am deeply grateful for each of you, not only for the dedication you bring to your work but for the sense of community we’ve built together," he said.

Tenable said it would continue to operate under Vintz and Thurmond in the wake of Yoran’s demise, while his position as the chair of the company’s board will now be held by Art Coviello, Tenable’s lead independent director.

“Amit was an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend," said Coviello. “His passion for cybersecurity, his strategic vision, and his ability to inspire those around him have shaped Tenable’s culture and mission. His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward."

(with agency inputs)

Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

News world Amit Yoran, CEO Of US Cybersecurity Company Tenable, Dies At 54 After Battle With Cancer