Longtime cybersecurity executive and entrepreneur Amit Yoran tragically died after an arduous battle with cancer on Friday, his company announced.
Before his death, Yoran, 54, served as CEO and president of global cybersecurity company Tenable, a cybersecurity company specializing in “exposure management.”
The company, based in Columbia, Maryland, announced the “unexpected” death of its “visionary leader” in a Press release on Saturday.
“It is with deep sadness that Tenable Holdings, Inc. announces the passing of our Chairman and CEO, Amit Yoran,” the company wrote.
‘Amit passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He had been fighting cancer.
Yoran took medical leave effective Dec. 5 and named Chief Financial Officer Steve Vintz and Chief Operating Officer Mark Thurmond as co-CEOs.
The couple will continue to serve in those roles while the company searches for a permanent CEO, according to the statement.
“A visionary leader and pioneer in the cybersecurity industry, Amit dedicated his life to making the digital world safer,” the statement continued.
Cybersecurity executive and lifelong entrepreneur Amit Yoran has tragically passed away after an arduous battle with cancer, the cybersecurity company he ran announced Friday.
The company, based in Columbia, Maryland, announced the passing of its “visionary leader” in a news release Saturday. Pictured: Tenable headquarters in Columbia, Maryland
“His unwavering commitment to innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence transformed Tenable into a global leader in exhibition management.”
Before becoming CEO of Tenable in 2016, Yoran held several high-profile positions in the technology industry.
Yoran served as the founding CEO of NetWitness, CEO of In-Q-Tel, and president of RSA, a US company that provides management solutions for organizations to help protect and encrypt their digital assets.
The well-known technology professional was described as “an extraordinary leader, colleague and friend” by Tenable lead independent director Art 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,” Coviello said.
‘Our thoughts are with Amit’s family during this difficult time. We extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones and express our gratitude for the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. “Funeral arrangements have not been announced at this time,” Saturday’s statement concluded.
Yoran was a first-generation American born in the United States in November 1970 to Israeli immigrants who arrived in the 1960s, according to Haaretz.
The technology mogul attended the United States Military Academy, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science. He later earned a master’s degree in computer security from George Washington University.
The 54-year-old also served as founding director of the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team program at the US Department of Homeland Security, his personal biography is at Tenable website states.
Yoran served as the founding CEO of NetWitness, CEO of In-Q-Tel, and president of RSA, a US company that provides management solutions for organizations to help protect and encrypt their digital assets.
“He is recognized as a thought leader and influencer in the security industry, and is often sought out at industry events and in the media to provide expert commentary on his vision for the future of cybersecurity,” reads the page.
Yoran is survived by his wife and three children.
Tenable is a cybersecurity company specializing in exposure management, known primarily for its vulnerability scanning software called Nessus.
Nessus is one of the most widely used vulnerability scanners in the industry, helping businesses identify and prioritize cybersecurity risks to their digital assets, allowing them to understand and reduce their cyber exposure.
The growing cybersecurity company protects more than 44,000 customers worldwide, including 65 percent of the Fortune 500 and 50 percent of the Global 2000. according to their website.