Celebrating Cyber Policy Excellence
23 finalists are in contention to receive The Atlas award, chosen by an esteemed panel of judges from the cyber community.
In a grand recognition of commitment to cybersecurity, the Cyber Policy Awards are here once again. This prestigious event shines a spotlight on those who have made significant contributions to the world of cybersecurity, advocating for effective policies and strategies to safeguard digital landscapes.
This year, an impressive 23 finalists have been selected to compete for the Cyber Policy Award of Merit. The awards ceremony is more than just an event; it is a celebration of excellence in various realms of cybersecurity policy and leadership. This gala will be held at the National Press Club, where these driving forces behind digital safety will be recognized.
Finalists Announced for Noteworthy Awards
Organized by a team of experts passionate about the safety of cyberspace, the Cyber Policy Awards serve as the premier gathering for the cyber policy community in the U.S. This event not only brings together key players but also acknowledges individuals and organizations that have shown exceptional impact and progress in cybersecurity within the past year.
With a call for nominations reaching out to both the cyber community and the public, diverse candidates were proposed based on their influential work. A distinguished panel rigorously reviewed a total of 85 submissions before finalizing this year’s noteworthy finalists, symbolizing excellence and innovation in cybersecurity policymaking.
Highlights of This Year’s Categories
The finalists showcase a wide range of impactful initiatives across several categories:
U.S. Domestic Policy Impact
- Colin Ahern, recognized for safeguarding critical infrastructure in New York State.
- Alexandra Seymour and Emily Park, awarded for their bipartisan efforts to enhance the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act.
- Michael Geraghty, who significantly transformed New Jersey’s cybersecurity stance.
International Policy Impact
- The Australian Signals Directorate and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, lauded for their efforts in enhancing global policies for critical infrastructure.
- A team including Will Mayes and Ciaran Martin, recognized for establishing a Cyber Monitoring Centre to assess cyber incidents.
- Mark Montgomery, noted for his practical cyber leadership, providing insight from Ukraine to the Indo-Pacific region.
- Matthew Rogers, acknowledged for promoting secure principles in operational technology worldwide.
Strengthening Global Partnerships
The awards also emphasize the importance of international collaboration in cybersecurity. The finalists in the International Partnership category exemplify this through innovative initiatives:
Global Partnership Initiatives
- Digi Americas Alliance, for shaping a comprehensive cybersecurity framework in Brazil.
- The Global Forum for Cyber Expertise (GFCE), recognized for rallying global entities to enhance cyber capacities.
- The Cyber Defense Assistance Collaborative (CDAC), awarded for their private sector's aid to Ukraine.
- Dr. Kubo Ma?ák and colleagues, for leading a significant collaboration on cyber law through the Cyber Law Toolkit.
Recognizing Research and Journalism in Cybersecurity
Both research and journalism play vital roles in understanding and advancing cybersecurity. The finalist categories showcase leading efforts:
Research Innovation
- Dr. Fred Heiding’s team created a Cybersecurity Strategy Scorecard, now a guiding tool for nations.
- Wenyi Morty Zhang and others uncovered vulnerabilities in GEO satellite links, pushing for better security measures.
- Cheri Caddy and her group advocated for Cyber-Informed Engineering principles, enhancing physical systems' cybersecurity.
- Jamie MacColl’s contributions are notably shaping cybersecurity strategies in the UK and beyond.
Excellence in Journalism
- Coverage by Dina Temple-Raston and her team regarding North Korea’s cyber operations gained critical acclaim.
- Jenna McLaughlin’s investigative reporting highlighted cybersecurity gaps at the National Labor Relations Board.
- ProPublica’s Renee Dudley and Doris Burke revealed concerning news about the Pentagon's contractor engagements.
- Brian Krebs has been vital in advancing public understanding of cyber criminality through his platforms.
The Lifetime Achievement award recipient will be unveiled during the festivities on the evening of the event.
About the Institute for Security and Technology
The Institute for Security and Technology (IST) is a critical action think tank dedicated to uniting technology and policy leaders to tackle emerging security challenges. Since its inception, IST has driven multiple initiatives addressing vital issues within cybersecurity, AI governance, and more, aiming to create a safer digital environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cyber Policy Awards?
The Cyber Policy Awards recognize individuals and organizations for their contributions to cybersecurity policy and effective practice.
Who selects the finalists for the awards?
A distinguished panel of judges from the cyber community meticulously reviews nominations to select the finalists.
When is the awards ceremony taking place?
The Cyber Policy Awards ceremony will be held in early February.
How can I attend the Cyber Policy Awards gala?
For attendance, individuals should visit the Cyber Policy Awards website for invitation requests.
What categories are featured in the awards?
The awards recognize achievements in domestic and international policy impact, partnership, research, and journalism in cybersecurity.
