George Kurtz, born on May 5, 1965, in Parsippany-Troy Hills, New Jersey, is a towering figure in the cybersecurity world. At 59 years old, Kurtz has amassed a net worth of $3.06 billion through his extensive career in technology and cybersecurity. He is the co-founder and CEO of CrowdStrike, a leading cybersecurity firm. Married and a father of two, Kurtz has significantly contributed to the industry through his innovative approaches and leadership. His career began with programming video games in his childhood and has evolved into a series of impactful ventures.
Childhood Passion
Kurtz’s fascination with technology began early in life. Growing up in Parsippany-Troy Hills, he attended Parsippany High School, where his passion for computing was evident. By the fourth grade, Kurtz was already programming video games on his Commodore computer. His interest in technology continued to grow, and during high school, he built bulletin board systems, demonstrating his early aptitude for cybersecurity.
Academic Foundation
After graduating from high school, Kurtz pursued a degree in accounting at Seton Hall University. Although his major was in accounting, his interest in technology never waned. His academic background provided him with a strong foundation in analytical thinking and problem-solving, skills that would prove invaluable in his future career in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Beginnings
Kurtz’s professional journey began at Price Waterhouse, where he worked as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). In 1993, he joined Price Waterhouse’s new security group, marking the start of his career in cybersecurity. His expertise in the field quickly became apparent, and in 1999, he co-wrote the influential book “Hacking Exposed” with Stuart McClure and Joel Scambray. This book became a bestseller and is considered a cornerstone in cybersecurity literature.
Foundstone Success
In 1999, Kurtz founded his own cybersecurity company, Foundstone. The company specialized in providing security consulting and training services. Foundstone’s success caught the attention of McAfee, which acquired the company for $86 million in 2004. Following the acquisition, Kurtz joined McAfee as the senior vice president and general manager of risk management. By 2009, he had risen to the position of worldwide chief technology officer and executive vice president.
High-Profile Incidents
During his tenure at McAfee, Kurtz was involved in several high-profile cybersecurity incidents. He played a crucial role in Operation Aurora in 2010, a major cyberattack on Google and other companies. Additionally, he led McAfee’s research on the Night Dragon and Shady RAT threats in 2011, further establishing his reputation as a leading cybersecurity expert.
Founding CrowdStrike
In October 2011, Kurtz resigned from McAfee and joined Warburg Pincus as an “entrepreneur-in-residence.” In 2012, he co-founded CrowdStrike with Gregg Marston and Dmitri Alperovitch. CrowdStrike was created to address the evolving landscape of cyber threats, focusing on identifying hacker techniques and providing cloud-based security solutions. Under Kurtz’s leadership, CrowdStrike quickly rose to prominence, gaining significant attention for its investigations into major cyberattacks, including the Democratic National Committee cyberattacks in 2016.
Rapid Growth
CrowdStrike’s innovative approach to cybersecurity led to rapid growth. In May 2017, the company exceeded a $1 billion valuation, and its initial public offering (IPO) on Nasdaq in 2019 brought its valuation to $6.6 billion. By July 2020, CrowdStrike was named the fastest-growing endpoint security software vendor by IDC, highlighting the company’s significant impact on the cybersecurity industry.
Personal Interests
Beyond his professional achievements, George Kurtz has a passion for exotic cars and racing. He is an avid car collector and has competed in various professional racing series, including the Pirelli World Challenge, Radical Cup, and Sports Car Club of America endurance events. He currently drives for CrowdStrike Racing, demonstrating his commitment to pursuing his personal interests alongside his demanding career.
Continued Leadership
Today, George Kurtz continues to lead CrowdStrike as its CEO, guiding the company through an ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Despite recent fluctuations in his net worth, which decreased by $337.52 million to $3.06 billion, Kurtz remains a significant figure in the technology industry. His ranking as the 1097th billionaire globally and the 397th in the United States underscores his continued influence and success.
Lasting Impact
George Kurtz’s journey from a young technology enthusiast to a leading figure in cybersecurity is marked by innovation, leadership, and resilience. His contributions to the field through Foundstone, McAfee, and CrowdStrike have had a lasting impact on cybersecurity practices worldwide. With a net worth of $3.06 billion and a legacy of significant achievements, Kurtz’s story is one of dedication to technology and continuous pursuit of excellence.
Future Prospects
As Kurtz continues to steer CrowdStrike, his vision and innovative approach to cybersecurity ensure that the company will remain at the forefront of the industry. His ability to anticipate and respond to emerging threats keeps CrowdStrike ahead of the curve, maintaining its reputation as a leader in cybersecurity solutions. Kurtz’s legacy is not just in his personal success but in the secure digital future he helps to build for organizations worldwide.