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Amit Yoran, the CEO and chairman of Tenable, a prominent cybersecurity firm, has passed away at the age of 54. The company announced his death in a press release on Saturday, noting that his passing was unexpected. Yoran had recently taken a medical leave as he fought against cancer.
Funeral arrangements for Yoran have not yet been made public. He had been leading Tenable since 2016, following a successful career in the cybersecurity domain that included significant roles at several high-profile organizations. Prior to taking the helm at Tenable, Yoran served as the president of RSA Security from 2014 to 2016 and was the CEO of NetWitness from 2006 until its acquisition by RSA in 2011.
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Yoran also contributed to national security, serving as the National Cybersecurity Director at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2004. He had been a board member of the Center for Internet Security since 2019, reinforcing his extensive involvement in enhancing the security frameworks of organizations.
Under Yoran’s leadership, Tenable made a significant move to go public on the Nasdaq two years into his tenure, representing a pivotal moment for the company and the broader cybersecurity landscape. He emphasized the uniqueness of Tenable’s focus on identifying vulnerabilities in technology and underscored the success of the company’s transition to a subscription model. By 2018, Yoran revealed that over half of Fortune 500 companies counted on Tenable’s services.
During an interview with CNBC following the IPO, Yoran expressed pride in the company’s standing, declaring, “We’ve become one of the most trusted and beloved brands in cybersecurity.” He regarded the IPO as a testament to Tenable’s performance and a chance to elevate its narrative on a larger stage.
Following Yoran’s medical leave in December, CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond stepped in as co-CEOs. Their leadership will continue as Tenable’s board seeks a permanent successor. Before going on leave, Yoran indicated he anticipated a short hiatus to address his health, describing his situation as “treatable” and expressing confidence in Vintz and Thurmond to steer the company effectively during his absence.
In a message to employees shared on LinkedIn, Yoran expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the strong community within the company. He emphasized the need to prioritize health yet remained committed to staying connected with his team throughout his recovery.
Yoran also held the position of chair on Tenable’s board, which will now be led by Art Coviello, the lead independent director. Coviello paid tribute to Yoran, describing him as an “extraordinary” leader whose passion and vision greatly influenced Tenable’s culture and mission. Coviello stated, “His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward,” signaling the enduring impact Yoran had on the organization.
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