Ahead of ISC2 Security Congress 2025, taking place in Nashville and online, we take a closer look at the recipients this year’s Global Achievement Awards who will be recognized at Congress for their contribution to the ISC2 community and the Center for Cyber Safety and Education.

CEO Award

The ISC2 CEO Awards acknowledge individuals who have made a significant impact on the cybersecurity community through their dedicated and exceptional efforts. They are the trailblazers and true change-makers whose intentions and actions have shaped enduring effects within the industry, leaving a legacy that extends for years to come.

  • Simon Salmon, CISSP, CCSP, CSSLP, CGRC – Simon has worked in cybersecurity for more than twenty years, spanning both government and commercial sectors, including leading one of the first successful global implementations of the BS7799 security framework (now ISO 27001). He supports content delivery and creation with ISC2 and other organizations, leading the content for the Certificate in Cybersecurity (CC) which won certification of the year for two successive years, he also contributes to other certifications, including the CISSP, CSSLP and CCSP. Holding a diverse academic background spanning business, accountancy and a distinction award in his Master's degree in Computing, he holds more than thirty certifications relating to IT and cybersecurity.

The Center Outstanding Volunteer Award

In recognition of an individual who has significantly contributed to the betterment of society and the cybersecurity community through the support of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education, the charitable foundation of ISC2. The Center’s mission is to grow the cybersecurity profession and its positive impact on the world by raising awareness, building a diverse pipeline of cybersecurity professionals and enabling a more secure digital world. 

  • Gregory Thompson, CISSP – Greg is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with extensive experience across various industries, including telecoms and financial services. He shares his insights and expertise with firms of all sizes, helping them navigate the complex landscape of IT and cyber risks. As an active member of the global information security community, he has contributed to various industry forums, non-profits, and charitable organizations. Greg’s extensive volunteer contributions to the community include having been the founding Chairman of Trustees for the Center, a former ISC2 board member, Canadian Financial Services Cyber Security Governance Council (CFS CGC) member and vice chair of the Canadian Cyber Threat Exchange (CCTX).

The Centre Outstanding Partner Award

This award recognizes a company or organization for their support of the Center and its mission to grow the cybersecurity profession and its positive impact on the world by raising awareness, building a diverse pipeline of cybersecurity professionals, and activating a more secure digital world.

  • CyberPeace Institute – Through this collaboration, 130 ISC2 volunteers are actively contributing to the CyberPeace Builders (CPB) program. This initiative empowers nonprofits to enhance their cyber resilience by providing expert guidance and support in the face of rising cyber threats. The CPB program connects cybersecurity professionals, such as ISC2 member volunteers, with under-resourced organizations, providing access to essential cybersecurity skills these organizations would otherwise struggle to find and helping them tackle cyber risks to their operations.

ISC2 Chapter Recognition Awards

These awards are presented to official chapters that best promote the vision of ISC2 by inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Chapters must demonstrate a well-rounded offering of activities and services designed to benefit members and affiliates, while significantly contributing to the profession and local community through the ISC2 Chapter Program of Connect, Educate, Inspire and Secure.

  • Asia-Pacific: Singapore Chapter – The ISC2 Singapore Chapter distinguished itself as a leading force in promoting a safe and secure cyber world through its various initiatives. It has contributed to a significant increase in professional and student members. Through inclusive outreach, professional development and strategic advocacy, the Chapter has demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact by empowering professionals, inspiring youth and advancing cybersecurity resilience.
  • EMEA: Ghana Chapter – The ISC2 Ghana Chapter was a key contributor to the establishment of a Cybersecurity Industry Forum. Ghana is the first country on the continent to have formally established this mechanism to prioritize private sector involvement in cybersecurity development. The Chapter was also a consistent supporter of the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) of Ghana’s public awareness campaigns by helping to amplify such campaigns within the chapter as well as across member's networks.
  • Latin America: Mexico City Chapter – The ISC2 Mexico City Chapter contributed to a variety of initiatives over the past year, including the formation of a Mentoring and Women’s Task Force to encourage gender equity in the cybersecurity field. The Chapter also actively promoted ISC2’s One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program to encourage individuals to take the exam which has had successful results. In addition, it has built alliances with universities, nonprofit associations and other organizations to professionalize the cybersecurity field in Mexico and across Latin America.
  • North America: Centra Florida Chapter – The ISC2 Central Florida Chapter offered many opportunities for members to connect and network, further their education, and keep current on industry trends while earning CPE credits to maintain their certifications. They have built a strong student membership and actively support them to enter the workforce, along with others transitioning into cybersecurity. They strive to ignite the passion of their members to give back to the community that embraced them.

We will be celebrating this year's winners throughout ISC2 Security Congress 2025. Find out more and register.

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