Amit Yoran, Former CEO of Tenable and NetWitness Leader, Passes Away at 54

On January 4, 2025, Amit Yoran, a prominent figure in the cybersecurity industry and the CEO of Tenable, passed away at the age of 54 following a brief battle with cancer. Yoran, a West Point alumnus, was highly regarded for founding NetWitness and spearheading Tenable’s public offering, which valued the company at over $2 billion.

Yoran had been diagnosed with a treatable form of cancer in March 2024. He recently announced a temporary leave from his role as Tenable’s CEO in December after receiving news about his treatment requirements. A press release from Tenable confirmed that Yoran’s passing came as a shock to those who knew him. In a message shared on LinkedIn, Tenable’s Chief People Officer Bridgett Paradise communicated the unexpected nature of the news to employees.

Art Coviello, Tenable’s Lead Independent Director, expressed profound sorrow over Yoran’s loss. Coviello, who collaborated with Yoran at RSA in the early 2010s, noted Yoran’s remarkable influence on Tenable’s culture and mission, emphasizing his passion for cybersecurity and his visionary leadership. Following Yoran’s death, Coviello is set to assume the role of chairman of the board.

In December 2016, Amit Yoran succeeded Ron Gula as CEO of Tenable and has been pivotal in the company’s evolution since then. Under his leadership, Tenable saw significant growth, including a surge in annual sales to $798.7 million and an expansion of its workforce to nearly 2,000 personnel. As a leader in vulnerability management, Tenable commands a significant share of the market, reported to be 29% as of the latest IDC findings.

Yoran’s death resonates deeply within the cybersecurity community. George Kurtz, the founder and CEO of CrowdStrike, remarked on LinkedIn about Yoran’s enduring legacy in the field of cybersecurity and reflected on their professional camaraderie across competitive lines. Yoran’s vision and understanding of the importance of security for organizations were attributes that won him universal respect.

During his tenure, Tenable made several strategic acquisitions under Yoran’s guidance, aimed at bolstering its capabilities within various aspects of cybersecurity, including cloud security. As the firm transitions leadership, Chief Financial Officer Stephen Vintz and Chief Operating Officer Mark Thurmond have been named interim co-CEOs while a search for Yoran’s permanent successor is conducted.

Prior to his influential role at Tenable, Yoran co-founded NetWitness and served as its president after its acquisition by RSA. His experience also included leading Riptech, a managed security service provider acquired by Symantec. With a strong educational background in computer science from West Point, Yoran’s contributions to the cybersecurity sector were not only significant but also transformative.

Amit Yoran is survived by his brothers, Dov and Elad, both of whom have established careers in cybersecurity. Following the loss, Dov poignantly reflected on Yoran’s multifaceted role as a family member, leader, and friend, underscoring the lasting impact Yoran had on those around him and the cybersecurity landscape at large.