ISC2 Global Achievement Awards

The ISC2 Global Achievement Awards program recognizes individuals whose excellence, leadership and volunteer efforts have significantly advanced the cybersecurity industry and contributed to our vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. Award recipients are celebrated at ISC2 Security Congress annually to honor these outstanding cybersecurity professionals.

Nominate a colleague, peer or mentor today! With several award categories to choose from, nominate an outstanding professional to have their accomplishments recognized by the leading global cybersecurity certifying body. There is no fee for nomination submissions and ISC2 certification is not required for nominators nor nominees.

The call for nominations opens March 4 and closes April 19, 2024.

Acknowledging Achievements

ISC2 offers a variety of awards that recognize individuals who have made outstanding contributions to cybersecurity and information security industry, and who have made a difference in this ever-evolving industry, honoring their tireless efforts and standards of excellence. We encourage you to consider nominating qualified colleagues, mentors, and peers to be recognized for their accomplishments!

Learn about our 2023 winners:

Award Categories

There are several Global Achievement Award categories available for you to nominate deserving professionals in the industry. Review the details below prior to submitting a nomination.

Special Recognition Awards

This award recognizes individuals who have made a significant impact on the cybersecurity profession through dedicated and exceptional efforts.

Criteria:
  • Leadership
    • Nominee has shown exemplary leadership, vision or inspiration to others.
  • Impact
    • Nominee has demonstrated impact and dedication to advancing ISC2’s vision of a safe and secure cyber world.
    • Nominee has advanced the cybersecurity profession.
Eligibility Requirements:
  • ISC2 members and non-members (active ISC2 board members or staff are excluded from consideration)

Regional Recognition: Global

Review Committee: Selected by the ISC2 CEO

In memory of Harold F. Tipton, the ISC2 Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an ISC2 member regionally for their lifelong contributions to the advancement of information security and the profession by serving, over the long term, with sustained excellence and distinction throughout their entire cybersecurity career.

Criteria:
  • Excellence
    • Describe the nominee’s lifetime contribution to the advancement of cybersecurity and the profession with sustained excellence and distinction. Provide examples of how the nominee demonstrated sustained excellence throughout their career.
    • How has the nominee displayed vision and innovation through their outstanding service and commitment?
    • How has the nominee advanced the profession through their lifetime of service, volunteerism and achievements?
    • How has the nominee been recognized as a role model and mentor by peers within the cybersecurity industry?
    Explain how the nominee has displayed excellence in the field of cybersecurity.
  • Leadership
    • Describe how the nominee has shown exemplary leadership, vision and inspiration to others.
    • How has the nominee demonstrated the highest standards of leadership in the industry?
    • Please describe in detail the extent of their initiatives, responsibilities and resourcefulness.
    Describe how the nominee exemplifies Leadership.
  • Impact
    • Describe the nominee's impact and dedication to advancing the ISC2 mission and vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.
    • What is the impact of the nominee’s work/accomplishment to the industry and to the profession?
    • Share examples of how this individual positively contributed or made an impact on the cybersecurity community.
    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.
  • Dedication
    • Describe the nominee’s dedication in advancing the profession.
    • How did the nominee’s dedication influence others?

    Provide details about the nominee’s dedication to cybersecurity.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the ISC2 Lifetime Achievement Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Cybersecurity professionals who meet the criteria (includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff)

Regional Recognition: Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA

Review Committee: ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee

In memory of James R. Wade, the ISC2 Volunteer Service Award is presented to acknowledge the involvement of an individual volunteer who merits special distinction for their sustained and valuable service to ISC2.

Criteria:
  • Volunteerism
    • Describe the nominee’s volunteer service to ISC2.
    • Describe how the nominee has been an advocate for ISC2 and for the cybersecurity profession.
    • How has the nominee provided organizational assistance and expertise through their volunteer work?
    Explain how the nominee has volunteered and served the cybersecurity community.
  • Dedication and Commitment
    • Describe how the nominee went above and beyond and displayed enthusiasm to make a positive impact on ISC2 or the community at large.
    • Describe how the nominee displayed outstanding dedication, service and commitment through his volunteer contribution.
    Provide details about the nominee’s dedication and commitment to cybersecurity.
  • Impact
    • Describe the significance and impact of the volunteer work contributed to ISC2.
    • To what magnitude have the nominee’s volunteer contributions made a positive impact to ISC2?
    • How has the nominee influenced others through their dedication and commitment?

    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the ISC2 Volunteer Service Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Cybersecurity professionals who meet the criteria (includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff)

Regional Recognition: Global

Review Committee: ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee

Professional Awards

The ISC2 Senior Professional Award recognizes an individual regionally who has significantly contributed to the enhancement of the cybersecurity workforce by demonstrating a leadership role in their profession. This award is given to a senior professional with 15+ years of work experience directly related to cybersecurity.

Criteria:
  • Leadership
    • Describe how the nominee has shown exemplary leadership, vision, and inspiration to others.
    • How did they positively influence others to build a culture of consensus and teamwork?
    • How did they develop trust and credibility through open, respectful communication?
    • Please describe in detail the extent of their initiative, responsibilities, and resourcefulness.
    Describe how the nominee exemplifies Leadership.
  • Impact
    • Describe the nominee's impact and dedication to advancing the ISC2 mission and vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.
    • How has this individual advanced the cybersecurity profession?
    • Share examples of how this individual positively contributed or made an impact on the cybersecurity community.
    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.
  • Innovation
    • Please describe the nominee’s innovative accomplishments.
    • How did this innovation bring fundamental change to the organization/industry?
    Explain how the nominee has been innovative.
  • Dedication
    • Describe the nominee’s dedication in contributing to and advancing the profession?
    • How did the nominee’s dedication influence others?

    Provide details about the nominee’s dedication.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the ISC2 Senior Professional Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Only ISC2 members in good standing. Not ISC2 Associates or Candidates, active ISC2 board members or staff.

Regional Recognition: Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA

Review Committee: ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee

The ISC2 Mid-Career Award recognizes an individual regionally who is at the mid-career stage and has demonstrated commitment and achievement in their profession. Candidates must have 6 to 14 years of work experience directly related to cybersecurity.

Criteria:
  • Leadership
    • Describe how the nominee has shown exemplary leadership, vision and inspiration to others.
    • How did they positively influence others to build a culture of consensus and teamwork?
    • How did they develop trust and credibility through open, respectful communication?
    • Please describe in detail the extent of their initiative, responsibilities and resourcefulness.
    Describe how the nominee exemplifies Leadership.
  • Impact
    • Describe the nominee's impact and dedication to advancing the ISC2 mission and vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.
    • How has this individual advanced the cybersecurity profession?
    • Share examples of how this individual positively contributed or made an impact on the cybersecurity community.
    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.
  • Innovation
    • Please describe the nominee’s innovative accomplishments.
    • How did this innovation bring fundamental change to the organization/industry?
    Explain how the nominee has been innovative.
  • Dedication
    • Describe the nominee’s dedication in contributing to and advancing the profession?
    • How did the nominee’s dedication influence others?

    Provide details about the nominee’s dedication.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the Mid-Career Professional Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Only ISC2 members in good standing. Not ISC2 Associates or Candidates, active ISC2 board members or staff.

Regional Recognition: Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA

Review Committee: ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee

The ISC2 Rising Star Professional Award recognizes the accomplishments and contributions of an up-and-coming professional regionally who has made a significant impact in the cybersecurity industry early in their career. Candidates must have 1-5 years of work experience in the cybersecurity industry.

Criteria:
  • Impact
    • Describe the nominee's impact and dedication to advancing the ISC2 mission and vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world.
    • How has this individual advanced the cybersecurity profession?
    • Share examples of how they have positively contributed or made an impact on the cybersecurity community.
    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.
  • Innovation
    • Please describe the nominee’s innovative accomplishments.
    • How did this innovation bring fundamental change to the organization/industry?
    Explain how the nominee has been innovative.
  • Dedication
    • Describe the nominee’s dedication in contributing to and advancing the profession?
    • How did their dedication influence others?

    Provide details about the nominee’s dedication.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the ISC2 Rising Star Professional Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Only ISC2 members in good standing. Not ISC2 Associates or Candidates, active ISC2 board members or staff.

Regional Recognition: Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA

Review Committee: ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Committee

Program Awards

At ISC2, we recognize a diverse range of experiences, perspectives, skills, and ideas makes us a stronger, more effective, innovative and safer community. To that end, our diversity, equity and inclusion vision is fostering and advancing a diverse, equitable and inclusive cyber world. Our mission is to remain committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across ethnicity, race, gender, age, religion, ability, status, identity, perspective and experience.

Diversity is about who we are and the different ways we show up. Individually, each of us has different characteristics that make us unique. Equity seeks to ensure an equal outcome for each person despite different circumstances by allocating resources and opportunities tailored to their specific needs. Inclusion is about level of participation and creating an environment where diversity is accepted and celebrated, and all people are able to fully participate. We are fueled by these differences that makes us each of us unique and not only help to generate the innovative ideas we need to solve the complex problems facing our society, organizations and the cybersecurity community globally, but also what we need to collectively learn, grow and thrive.

The Inclusion Impact Award is presented to an individual regionally who demonstrates achievement and leadership in supporting the ISC2 DEI vision to foster and advance a diverse, equitable and inclusive cyber world. These individuals have made significant contributions to driving a more diverse workforce in the global cybersecurity community by initiating and leading actions to remove barriers and positively impact the diversity, equity and inclusion of the cyber profession through engagement activities such as scholarships, advocacy, training/education or nonprofit work, serving as a strong ally for diverse communities, or other means to create a level playing field for the inclusion of all individuals in the world of cybersecurity.

Criteria:
  • Leadership & Character
    • How has the nominee significantly promoted diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency development?
    • Does the nominee promote or demonstrate the core values and behaviors set out in the ISC2 DEI mission statement?

      ISC2 DEI Mission Statement:

      To remain committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging across ethnicity, race, gender, age, religion, ability, status, identity, perspective and experience.

      We are fueled by these differences that not only help to generate the innovative ideas we need to solve the complex problems facing our society, organisations and the cybersecurity community globally, but also what we need to collectively learn, grow and thrive.

    • Does the nominee demonstrate the impact of, and positive outcomes from, an intersectional approach (viewing personal demographics such as age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, neurodivergence, veteran status, social mobility, disability and gender in combination instead of in isolation)?
    • How has the nominee demonstrated commitment to ensuring that DEI principles are core to their area of work and the cyber profession?
    • What evidence of increased DEI principles is there in their work, in policy and services delivery as a result of a focus on DEI programming and advocacy?
    • How has the nominee led initiatives in capturing outcomes of increased awareness, understanding or promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency?
    Describe how the nominee exemplifies Leadership and Character.
  • Impact & Sustainability
    • Explain how the nominee improved diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency through educational, programming and advocacy initiatives.
    • How has the nominee made an impact beyond their immediate team/business area/department?
    • Will the initiative/practice described leave a lasting legacy and can it be replicated throughout the cyber community and/or globally?
    Elaborate on how the nominee has made a significant impact.
  • Industry Engagement
    • Describe how the nominee created partnerships between organizations, leaders, managers and/or employees to resolve and elevate diversity issues.
    • How has the nominee implemented steps toward fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency with programs that maximize the potential of all people across the globe?
    • In what ways has the nominee addressed key areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency such as recruitment, advancement, and retention?
    • How has the nominee promoted diversity education and training in various professional and community spaces?

    Explain how the nominee has engaged the industry in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and cultural competency.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the ISC2 Inclusion Impact Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff; self-nominations are not permitted.
  • Nominees: Cybersecurity professionals who meet the criteria (includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff)

Regional Recognition: Asia-Pacific, EMEA, Latin America and North America

Review Committee: DEI Advisory Committee

ISC2 Chapter Recognition Awards are presented to official chapters of ISC2 within a specific region that best promotes the vision of ISC2 by inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. The chapter must demonstrate a well-rounded offering of activities and services designed to benefit its members and affiliates, while making a significant contribution to the profession and local community through the core focus areas of the ISC2 Chapter Program of Connect, Educate, Inspire and Secure.

Criteria:
  • Connect
    • What impact has your chapter had in connecting cybersecurity professionals in the local community?
    • Share examples of how your chapter increased connections with members and non-members build relationships with affiliates and what value did it bring to members?
  • Educate
    • What educational opportunities did your chapter provide on the latest developments and trends in cybersecurity?
    • How did you support non-members who are seeking an ISC2 certification?
    • What was the participation rate for meetings (e.g., percentage of members attended, number of attendees)?
    • Did the participation rate increase from past years?
  • Inspire
    • How did your chapter inspire the local cybersecurity community?
    • Share details about how you supported students and other individuals to enter the cybersecurity profession, develop leadership skills, give back to the community, etc. What was the outcome of these actions?
  • Secure
    • What steps did your chapter take to advance the mission and vision of ISC2?
    • What did your chapter do to generate cyber safety awareness?
    • What was the outcome of these initiatives?
Eligibility Requirements:
  • All ISC2 Chapters in good standing are eligible for the award if they submitted the Annual Chapter Report by the required deadline of January 31 each year.

Regional Recognition: Asia-Pacific, EMEA, Latin America and North America

Review Committee: ISC2 Chapter Advisory Committee

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education (Center), the charitable arm of ISC2, is committed to making the cyber world a safer place for everyone. Their 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 activating a more secure digital world.

Outstanding Volunteer Award

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education’s Outstanding Volunteer Award recognizes an individual who has significantly contributed to the betterment of society and cybersecurity community through support of the Center. With a passion for the cybersecurity community and a desire to give back, this recipient is considered a go-to volunteer helping to make society safer while supporting various initiatives within the Center.

Criteria:
  • Volunteering with Center Programs: To what magnitude has the individual performed at least one of the following within the last year:
    • Volunteered with Center programs including but not limited to Safe and Secure Online, Cybersecurity Health Check, and/or as a scholarship reviewer?
    • Actively assisted with the development or review of Center programs (new or old)?
    • Actively served on a Center volunteer committee?
    Describe the magnitude in which the individual volunteered for the Center.
  • Impact: To what extent did the nominee:
    • Contribute to the Center’s mission of raising awareness, building a diverse pipeline of cybersecurity professionals and activating a more secure digital world?
    • Promote the Center’s mission and programs through social media and word of mouth.
    • Contribute to the Center’s fundraising efforts by becoming an active donor and/or actively engaging individuals and organizations to support their efforts and/or participate or conduct a fundraising event?
    Explain how the nominee contributed to the Center's mission and fundraising efforts.
  • Dedication: Outside of regular job duties:
    • How strong was the candidate’s level of commitment to representing the Center’s mission and promoting the Center and its programs to individuals and organizations?

    Provide details pertaining to the nominee's dedication to and promotion of the Center's mission.

    Overall, why do you believe this person is worthy of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education Outstanding Volunteer Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominators: All professionals (cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management). Includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff. Self-nominations are permitted.
  • Nominees: Cybersecurity professionals who meet the criteria (includes ISC2 members and non-members, but not active ISC2 board members or staff)

Regional Recognition: Global

Review Committee: Center Board of Trustees

Outstanding Partner Award

This Center for Cyber Safety and Education Outstanding Partner 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.  This must be a group or company effort of support - not that of a lone employee or member. 

Criteria:
  • Volunteering with Center Programs:
    • To what magnitude did the nominee harness the talents of its employees, members, and so on to support the Center and its programming through volunteering efforts? What impact did the nominee’s efforts have?
    Describe the volunteering activities carried out by the organization in supporting the Center.
  • Impact:
    • To what magnitude did the nominee expend time supporting the Center, for example by promoting the Center and its programs, scholarships and fundraising efforts through use of their meetings, newsletters, website, local media and/or social media?
    • To what extent did the nominee donate their own funds and/or influence others to donate to the Center?
    Explain how the nominee supported the Center’s impact.
  • Dedication: Outside of regular job duties:
    • How strong was the nominee’s level of commitment to representing the Center’s mission and promoting the Center and its programs to individuals and organizations or within its own organization?

    Provide details pertaining to the nominee's dedication to and promotion of the Center's mission.

    Overall, why do you believe this organization is worthy of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education Outstanding Partner Award?

Eligibility Requirements:
  • Nominator(s): The Center staff nominates active partners to the Center Board of Trustees who reviews and selects the outstanding partner(s).
  • Nominee(s): Active partners of the Center for Cyber Safety and Education.

Regional Recognition: Global

Review Committee: Center Board of Trustees

Requirements & Guidelines

ISC2 highly encourages nominations for the Global Achievement Awards to recognize and honor those who have made outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity industry. This section summarizes the eligibility requirements for nominators (those who submit a nomination for someone to be considered for an award) and the nominees (those to be nominated for an award) for each category, and guidelines to follow during the submission process.

Nominator Requirements

Below is a summary of those who are eligible to nominate an individual:

Nominators (Submitters)
Award Category ISC2 Certified Members Non-Mbrs/Associates/Candidates Active BOD Members ISC2 Staff
ISC2 Professional Awards YES YES NO NO
ISC2 CEO Award NO NO NO NO
ISC2 Lifetime Achievement Award YES YES NO NO
ISC2 Volunteer Service Award YES YES NO NO
ISC2 Inclusion Impact YES YES NO NO
Center Outstanding Volunteer YES YES NO NO

Note the following:

  • All nominators should be in compliance with the ISC2 Awards Conflict of Interest Policy and Non-Disclosure Agreement.
  • Duplicate nominations for the same individual will not be accepted.
  • ISC2 Board of Directors, staff, and awards review committee members are ineligible to submit a nomination.
  • Self-nominations are not permitted (except for the Center Awards).

Nominee Requirements

Below is a summary of those who are eligible to be nominated:

Nominees (Recipients)
Award Category ISC2 Certified Members Non-Mbrs/Associates/Candidates Active BOD Members ISC2 Staff
ISC2 Professional Awards YES NO NO NO
ISC2 CEO Award YES YES NO NO
ISC2 Lifetime Achievement Award YES YES NO NO
ISC2 Volunteer Service Award YES YES NO NO
ISC2 Inclusion Impact YES YES NO NO
Center Outstanding Volunteer YES YES NO NO

Note the following:

  • Only ISC2 members can be nominated for the Professional Awards.
  • Non-ISC2 certified professionals include those from the following backgrounds: cyber, information, software, infrastructure security professionals, educators or management.
  • ISC2 Board of Directors, staff, and awards review committee members are ineligible for nomination.

The nomination package submitted for the Global Achievement Awards must contain the following:

  • Completed nomination form hosted in ISC2’s nomination submission system. The nomination form will require details such as:
    • ISC2 membership status
    • The career stage of the nominee (number of years of experience)
    • Brief bio of the individual being nominated
    • Description of how the nominee exemplifies the award criteria
    • Account of nominee’s accomplishments for each of the award’s criteria

    Please be sure to complete all required sections and save your work. You may return and finish your submission at any time before the submission deadline.

  • One to two sentence citation (300 words or less) summarizing why the person should receive the award category. Include high-level accomplishments of the candidate based on the criteria established for this award.

Optional:
The following items are optional, but will help strengthen your nomination submission:

  • A curriculum vitae or LinkedIn profile link for the nominee (non-prescriptive). Include the candidate’s name, address and email, history of employment, degrees, research experience, honors, memberships, and service to the community through committee work, advisory boards, etc.
  • A recommendation letter (150 words or less). Letterhead stationery is required. Nominator’s name, title, institution, and contact information (phone number and email address) are required, along with a signature (digital is acceptable). The nomination letter should account for the accomplishments of the candidate based on the criteria established for this award.  The citation should appear at either the beginning or end of the nomination letter.

Below are the guidelines for submitting a nomination for the ISC2 Global Achievement Awards:

  • Submissions must align with the category for which they are nominated and requires completeness and accuracy of the information provided. Nominators may be contacted by ISC2 staff regarding the nomination package requirements or to clarify or confirm the accuracy of any information provided.
  • Nominations are for individuals only, not organizations unless specifically referred to as an organizational award (e.g., Chapter Recognition Award and the Center’s Outstanding Partner Award).
  • Nominators can submit several nominations, including several for the same nominee in different categories, if the individual’s achievements are relevant to the category. A separate form is required for each entry, even if you are submitting the same person for more than one category. However, you may not nominate the same individual in the same category, more than once. (NOTE: Multiple nominations of same nominee do not increase chances of winning.)
  • For duplicate submissions with similar or identical content, nominators will be asked to consolidate and submit one nomination. If not consolidated, ISC2 will accept the first submission based on date/time stamp in the nomination submission platform; the remaining submissions will be disqualified.
  • There is no limitation on project-based work if provided in the submission (award is based on the individuals’ accomplishments; not based on the project itself).
  • An individual cannot win the same category for two years in a row. Award recipients can be nominated and selected for another award different from the award received previously.
  • If the nominee does not want some of the information on the application known, the nominator may indicate which parts of the application should be kept confidential. Further, the information will only be used to judge against criteria and will not be distributed outside of the committee or announced publicly, without express consent of the company and the nominee.
  • All submissions must be in English. If only a local language supporting document is available, please also provide a brief description of the document in English.
  • Members of the judging panel must abide by the ISC2 Awards Conflict of Interest Policy and ISC2’s Non-Disclosure Agreement policy. In addition, ISC2 has a strict privacy policy and will respect all requests for confidentiality.
  • The Global Achievement Awards review committees may holdover strong nomination submissions that were not selected for the following year. If so, the nominator will be given the opportunity to update the content prior to resubmitting, if desired. If not updated by the nominator, the holdover nomination(s) will automatically be resubmitted for the following awards cycle.
  • Guidelines and procedures may be changed at the discretion of ISC2.

Interested in learning how to write a strong nomination submission? Learn more here.

Benefits & Timeline

Being an ISC2 Global Achievement Award recipient has its benefits. Discover the recognition and networking opportunities available.

ISC2 is proud to honor our Global Achievement Award recipients by providing the following benefits:

  • Personalized, engraved award
  • Certificate of Achievement
  • Recognition during ISC2 Security Congress conference
  • Press release and recognition on the ISC2 website honoring award recipients

Award recipients and their nominators will also receive the following:

  • Complimentary ISC2 Security Congress full conference pass (does not include pre-conference workshops)
  • Complimentary two-night hotel accommodations during ISC2 Security Congress
  • Invitation to a private VIP reception during ISC2 Security Congress

Below is a high-level timeline for the 2024 Global Achievement Awards program:

Past Award Recipients

ISC2 has recognized many professionals for their outstanding accomplishments in cybersecurity. Learn who has received an ISC2 Global Achievement Award over the last several years:

ISC2 CEO Award

  • Dr. Kevin Charest, CISSP (2023)
  • Karen Rosser-Newbold, CC (2023)
  • Confidence Staveley (2023)
  • Andrew Smeaton, CISSP (2022)
  • Megan West, CISSP (2021)
  • James Packer, CISSP, CCSP (2020)
  • Yves Le Roux, CISSP (2020)

ISC2 Lifetime Achievement Award
Formerly the Harold F. Tipton Lifetime Achievement Award  

  • Joye Purser, PhD, CISSP (2023)
  • Rich Owen, CISSP (2021)
  • Yves Le Roux, CISSP (2020)

ISC2 Volunteer Service Award
Formerly the James R. Wade Service Award

  • Ken Fishkin, CISSP, CCSP, HCISSP (2023)

ISC2 F. Lynn McNulty Tribute Award
Award category sunsetted in 2023

  • Kelvin Coleman (2021)

Fellow of ISC2 Award
To be converted into a program (TBD)

  • Dan Kaminsky (2021)
  • Bonnie Butlin (2020)

ISC2 Rising Star Professional Award

  • Christopher J. Villas, CISSP - Americas Region (2023)
  • Yi Zhe “Ethan” Seow (Candidate) - Asia-Pacific Region (2023)
  • Kwadjo Nyante, CISSP - EMEA Region (2023)
  • Rajvardhan Oak – Americas Region (2022)
  • Alexander Kuehl, CISSP-ISSAP, CGRC, SSCP – EMEA Region (2021)
  • Kathryn Murphy – Americas Region (2021)
  • Katia Dean – Americas Region (2020)

ISC2 Mid-Career Professional Award

  • Isaac “Jay” James, CISSP - Americas Region (2023)
  • Ming-Chang “Bright” Wu, (Candidate) - Asia-Pacific Region (2023)
  • Benjamin T. Koshy, CISSP – Americas Region (2022)
  • Shakthi Priya Kathirvelu, CISSP – APAC Region (2022)
  • Lucy Prudence Shenton, CISSP – EMEA Region (2022)
  • Diondria Holliman, CISSP – Americas Region (2021)
  • Neha Malhotra, CISSP, CCSP – APAC Region (2021)
  • Kim Do, CISSP – Americas Region (2020)
  • Dongyoung Roh – APAC Region (2020)

ISC2 Senior Professional Award

  • Brian Gorenc, CISSP, CSSLP - Americas Region (2023)
  • Raul Paolo Miranda, CISSP - Asia-Pacific Region (2023)
  • Andreas Constantinides, CISSP - EMEA Region (2023)
  • Shawn Harris, CISSP-ISSAP, CCSP – Americas Region (2022)
  • Chou Yen Ju, CISSP, CCSP – APAC Region (2022)
  • Ali Isikli, CISSP, CCSP – EMEA Region (2022)
  • Dr. InJung Kim – APAC Region (2021)
  • Marouane Balmaktar, CISSP – Americas Region (2021)
  • Soney Bahanan – EMEA Region (2021)
  • Jack Freund, CISSP, CISSP-ISSMP – Americas Region (2020)
  • Troy Hunt – APAC Region (2020)
  • Dr. Katalin Szenes, CISSP – EMEA Region (2020)

ISC2 Government Professional Award

  • Jared P. Quinn, CISSP, CC - Americas Region (2023)
  • Henry Tan, CISSP - Asia-Pacific Region (2023)
  • Jermone Andre Leach, CISSP, CAP (2022)
  • H.E. Dr. Mohamed Hamad Al-Kuwaiti - EMEA Region (2022)
  • Eric Mitchell, CISSP – Americas Region (2021)
  • Angella Tugume, CISSP – EMEA Region (2021)
  • GP Capt. Amorn Chomchoey, CISSP – APAC Region (2021)
  • Darcy Saint-Amant, CISSP – Americas Region (2020)
  • Yuval Segev – EMEA Region (2020)

Center for Cyber Safety and Education Awards
Center Outstanding Volunteer Award

  • Panagiotis Soulos, CISSP, CCSP (2023)
  • Roela Santos (2021)

Center Outstanding Partner Award

  • CAPA8 (2021)

ISC2 Chapter Recognition Awards

  • ISC2 Alamo Chapter - North America Region (2023)
  • ISC2 Nigeria Chapter - EMEA Region (2023)
  • ISC2 Japan Chapter - APAC Region (2023)
  • ISC2 New Jersey Chapter - North America Region (2022)
  • ISC2 Mexico City Chapter – Latin America Region (2022)
  • ISC2 Colombo, Sri Lanka Chapter- APAC Region (2022)
  • ISC2 Hellenic Chapter - EMEA Region (2022)
  • ISC2 Long Island Chapter – North America Region (2021)
  • ISC2 Argentina Chapter – Latin America Region (2021)
  • ISC2 Nigeria Chapter – EMEA Region (2021)
  • ISC2 Singapore Chapter – APAC Region (2021)
  • ISC2 Northern Virginia Chapter - North America Region (2020)
  • ISC2 Peru Chapter – Latin America Region (2020)
  • ISC2 Nigeria Chapter – EMEA Region (2020)
  • ISC2 Chennai Chapter – APAC Region (2020)

ISC2 Inclusion Impact Award
Formerly the Diversity Award

  • Larry Whiteside Jr. - North America Region & Global Recipient (2023)
  • Iretioluwa Akerele - EMEA Region (2023)
  • Braian Alejandro Arroyo, C - Latin America Region (2023)
  • Sarah B. Lee PhD – Global Recipient (2022)
  • Julian Waits – North America Region (2021)
  • Neha Malhotra, CISSP, CCSP – APAC Region (2021)
  • Kristin Paget – Global Recipient (2020)

Several outstanding professionals have made an astounding impact on the cybersecurity industry. ISC2 like to recognize and honor these individuals:

  • F. Lynn McNulty was known for his tireless advocacy for the security of the nation and a persistent champion of cybersecurity in government. His dedication, service, and commitment in government cybersecurity workforce helped strengthen the security posture of the country’s information resources and infrastructure. (Namesake of the past F. Lynn McNulty Tribute Award)
  • Harold F. Tipton, CISSP, known as the “George Washington of information security,” the award is to honor his memory and tradition of passionately promoting and enhancing the cybersecurity profession. (Namesake of the past Harold F. Tipton Lifetime Achievement Award)
  • James R. Wade was an esteemed, long-time contributor to ISC2, and ISC2’s privilege to honor his memory with this award. (Namesake of the past James R. Wade Service Award)

Award Contact:

For questions, contact the ISC2 Global Awards Team at globalawards@isc2.org.