Chris Krebs, former chief of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has announced his departure from SentinelOne. This cybersecurity company focuses on artificial intelligence technologies that help identify and prevent threats. His exit comes on the heels of an equally troubling executive order from President Trump. Today’s order does just that, focused specifically on Krebs and the firm he joined in late 2023. SentinelOne’s future growth is now in question, particularly as its past success was propped up by government contracts.
The initial executive order, issued by President Trump, urged immediate revocation of security clearances for SentinelOne. This decision caused significant pushback in-house at the firm, especially about its blistering relationships with various major national and local government entities that use its platform. Before joining Thrive, Krebs was chief intelligence and public policy officer at SentinelOne. He entered the company himself after it bought his consulting firm just months prior to his resignation.
SentinelOne employs fewer than ten people with security clearances. This small number greatly limits their ability to work directly on sensitive government projects. The company has since gone on to be a major influence in the cybersecurity space, with a market capitalization of $5.6 billion. More troubling, the executive order could undermine the company’s capacity to win any future contracts with various government agencies. These contracts have become essential to its continued success.
In a memo posted on the company’s website, SentinelOne CEO Tomer Weingarten acknowledged Krebs’ contributions, noting that he “helped shape important conversations and strengthened public-private collaboration.” With the announcement of Krebs’ resignation, it seems that a welcome shift in the dynamic between government oversight and cybersecurity firms is on the horizon. The transition follows recent debates to establish the Department of Government Efficiency. This new department is likely to generate budgetary shifts that might negatively impact the government’s acquisition of SentinelOne’s platform.
Krebs’ announced his decision to resign just days after the executive order was released. In an email to employees shared on SentinelOne’s website, he expressed his intention to push back against Trump’s efforts targeting him and the company. Mr. Karp is a passionate man — and he is passionate about developing strong cybersecurity practices. He further stresses the importance of cooperation between players in the private sector and public agencies.
The effect of the executive order has been to raise further scrutiny on SentinelOne’s conduct and its lucrative cash flow from government customers. The company has not disclosed what share of its revenue is derived from government contracts. Without any explanation, this lack of transparency has led some to question its long-term financial viability. SentinelOne is now attempting to thread this needle. In addition to growing their sales to federal, state and local governments, they need to pivot to a future where policy changes might threaten their essential business model.
Krebs’ departure signals a monumental shift for SentinelOne. His extensive experience in cybersecurity and public policy was expected to bolster the company’s efforts to engage with government entities and advocate for effective policy solutions. With Krebs now departing from that post, industry watchers remain on high alert. Aside from congressional committees, another group with a vested interest in SentinelOne’s federal public engagement deployment will be the security vendors themselves.