Amit Yoran, the CEO of Tenable, died at the age of 54

Amit Yoran, CEO and chairman of cybersecurity firm Tenable Holdings, died Friday following a battle with cancer, according to a corporate notice. He was 54.

“Amit was not only a visionary leader but also a guiding force who profoundly impacted our industry, our company, our culture, and our community,” said Bridgett Paradise, Tenable’s chief people and culture officer, in a message to employees on Saturday.

Yoran took a medical leave of absence on December 5, according to the firm. He has been the firm's CEO since 2016, and oversaw the company when it went public in 2018.

Yoran was the president of RSA Security, a computer and network security business, before joining Tenable in Maryland. He also invented NetWitness, a threat detection and response platform. Yoran co-founded Virginia-based Riptech Inc. in 1998, where he deployed sensor networks to safeguard government and business systems against intrusions.

Yoran was appointed director of the newly established National Cyber Security Division of the Homeland Security Department in 2003. He resigned from his post after one year.

“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,” said Art Coviello, who will become chairman and is Tenable’s lead independent director.

In a statement, Coviello described Yoran as a "extraordinary" leader, colleague, and friend.

“His passion for cybersecurity, his strategic vision, and his ability to inspire those around him have shaped Tenable’s culture and mission,” Coviello said. “His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

During Yoran's absence, the Tenable Holdings board nominated CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond as co-CEOs. The business stated that Vintz and Thurmond would continue to oversee the company while Tenable hunts for a permanent CEO.

Yoran intended his vacation to last only a few months and stated that his ailment was "treatable," according to a message to staff posted on his LinkedIn profile. He placed "complete trust" in Vintz and Thurmond to run the firm in his absence.

“We have much to do and there is no time to waste,” Yoran wrote. “As I take a brief pause to prioritize 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.”

Yoran was survived by his wife and three children.