Key Takeaways
- The Cyber Policy Awards will recognize 23 finalists in six categories: U.S. Domestic Policy Impact, International Policy Impact, International Partnership, Ecosystem Champion, Research Impact, and Excellence in Journalism
- The awards will be presented at a gala event on February 5, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
- The finalists were selected from a pool of 85 submissions by an independent panel of judges from across the cyber community
- The Cyber Policy Awards aim to celebrate excellence in cybersecurity policy, leadership, diplomacy, research, and journalism
- The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is hosting the awards, which will feature a Lifetime Achievement award recipient to be announced during the ceremony
Introduction to the Cyber Policy Awards
The Cyber Policy Awards, hosted by the Institute for Security and Technology (IST), will recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cybersecurity policy, leadership, diplomacy, research, and journalism. The awards aim to celebrate excellence in these areas and promote a more secure and resilient cyberspace. This year, 23 finalists have been selected from a pool of 85 submissions, and the winners will be announced at a gala event on February 5, 2026, at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.
The Selection Process
The selection process for the Cyber Policy Awards was rigorous and transparent. An independent panel of judges from across the cyber community reviewed the submissions and selected the finalists based on their impact and achievements. The judges considered nominations from the cyber policy community and the broader public, ensuring that the awards reflect the community’s values and priorities. The IST, as the host organization, facilitated the selection process but did not influence the judges’ decisions, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the awards.
The Finalists
The 23 finalists represent a diverse range of individuals and organizations, including government agencies, non-profits, academia, and private sector companies. The finalists are recognized in six categories: U.S. Domestic Policy Impact, International Policy Impact, International Partnership, Ecosystem Champion, Research Impact, and Excellence in Journalism. Some notable finalists include Colin Ahern for his work on protecting New York State’s critical infrastructure, the Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre for their efforts to elevate critical infrastructure resilience, and Dr. Fred Heiding, Alex O’Neill, and Lachlan Price for creating the Cybersecurity Strategy Scorecard.
The Categories and Finalists
The six categories of the Cyber Policy Awards recognize different aspects of cybersecurity excellence. The U.S. Domestic Policy Impact category recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to cybersecurity policy in the United States. The International Policy Impact category recognizes those who have made a global impact on cybersecurity policy. The International Partnership category recognizes collaborations and partnerships that have advanced cybersecurity cooperation between nations. The Ecosystem Champion category recognizes individuals and organizations that have supported and promoted the cybersecurity ecosystem. The Research Impact category recognizes groundbreaking research that has advanced our understanding of cybersecurity. The Excellence in Journalism category recognizes journalists who have made significant contributions to cybersecurity reporting.
The Institute for Security and Technology
The IST, the host organization of the Cyber Policy Awards, is a critical action think tank that unites technology and policy leaders to create actionable solutions to emerging security challenges. The IST has launched several initiatives addressing challenges such as ransomware, critical infrastructure resilience, and the integration of AI and nuclear command, control, and communications. The IST’s mission is to advance national security and global stability through technology built on trust, guiding businesses and governments with hands-on expertise, in-depth analysis, and a global network.
Conclusion
The Cyber Policy Awards are a significant event in the cybersecurity community, recognizing excellence and promoting a more secure and resilient cyberspace. The 23 finalists represent the best of the cyber community, and the awards will provide a platform for them to share their work and inspire others. The IST’s hosting of the awards reflects its commitment to promoting cybersecurity and advancing national security and global stability through technology built on trust. The awards ceremony on February 5, 2026, promises to be an exciting event, and the announcement of the Lifetime Achievement award recipient will be a highlight of the evening.
