What are the CSA XCON Excellence Awards?

CSA XCON Excellence Awards recognize outstanding achievements in cybersecurity across 15 categories including University Awards, CISO of the Year, Security Researcher, Security Innovator, Rising Star, Cybersecurity Excellence, GRC Excellence, AI Security Innovation, Cybersecurity Startup, Best Cybersecurity Product, Women in Cybersecurity Excellence, and Student Awards.

Who can nominate for CSA XCON Excellence Awards?

Anyone can submit a nomination for the CSA XCON Excellence Awards. Self-nominations are also accepted. Nominators should provide detailed information about the nominee achievements, impact, and contributions to cybersecurity.

What are the award categories in CSA XCON 2026?

There are 15 award categories: University/College Awards (AI & Security Education, Cloud & SecOps Education), Individual Awards (Cybersecurity Leader, Security Researcher, Security Innovator, Rising Star, Cybersecurity Excellence), Student Awards (Best Student Security Project, Student Innovator), and Special Recognition Awards (CISO of the Year, GRC Excellence, AI Security Innovation, Cybersecurity Startup of the Year, Best Cybersecurity Product, Women in Cybersecurity Excellence).

When is the nomination deadline for CSA XCON Awards 2026?

The nomination deadline for CSA XCON Excellence Awards 2026 is February 28, 2026. Finalists will be announced on March 5, 2026, and the awards ceremony takes place on March 12, 2026.

How are CSA XCON Award winners selected?

Winners are selected through a four-step process: 1) Nomination submission, 2) Expert panel review against established criteria, 3) Shortlisting of finalists, 4) Final selection and announcement at the Awards Ceremony. Selection criteria include Impact, Innovation, Leadership, and Consistency.

What is the CISO of the Year Award?

The CISO of the Year Award recognizes Chief Information Security Officers who have demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership in driving security initiatives, managing enterprise-wide security programs, and achieving measurable security improvements for their organizations.

Cybersecurity Excellence Awards 2026 | CSA XCON

Award Categories

Fifteen prestigious categories recognizing excellence across the cybersecurity spectrum.

University of Excellence in AI & Security Education

Recognizing universities with outstanding curriculum and training in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

Education

University of Excellence in Cloud & SecOps Education

Honoring institutions providing exceptional education in Cloud Computing and Security Operations.

Education

Cybersecurity Leader of the Year

Recognizing exceptional leadership in driving cybersecurity initiatives at organizational or industry level.

Leadership

Security Researcher of the Year

Celebrating breakthrough research and vulnerability discoveries that advance security.

Research

Security Innovator of the Year

Recognizing creative solutions and innovations that address emerging security challenges.

Innovation

Rising Star in Cybersecurity

Highlighting emerging talent making significant impact early in their cybersecurity careers.

Emerging Talent

Cybersecurity Excellence Award

Acknowledging overall excellence and significant contributions to the field of cybersecurity.

Excellence

CISO of the Year

Recognizing Chief Information Security Officers who have demonstrated exceptional strategic leadership and security excellence.

Executive

GRC Excellence Award

Honoring outstanding achievements in Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance practices.

Compliance

AI Security Innovation Award

Celebrating groundbreaking work in applying AI/ML to cybersecurity or securing AI systems.

AI/ML

Cybersecurity Startup of the Year

Recognizing innovative startups making significant impact in the cybersecurity industry.

Startup

Best Cybersecurity Product

Honoring exceptional cybersecurity products that have demonstrated innovation and effectiveness.

Product

Women in Cybersecurity Excellence

Celebrating women who have made outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity field.

Diversity

Best Student Security Project

Recognizing exceptional student projects in cybersecurity research or tool development.

Students

Student Innovator Award

Celebrating students who have demonstrated exceptional innovation and technical skills.

Students

View Detailed Categories

Nomination Process

A transparent four-step process to identify and celebrate excellence.

Submit

Complete the nomination form with nominee details and achievements.

Review

Our expert panel reviews all nominations against criteria.

Shortlist

Finalists are selected and notified for each category.

Ceremony

Winners announced at the CSA XCON Awards Ceremony.

Excellence Awards