The Hacker News has launched the Cybersecurity Stars Awards 2026, a competition that seeks to recognize talent in cybersecurity. Applications are now open for professionals, teams, and projects with relevant contributions to the protection of systems and data. Categories include innovation in security, leadership in incident response, and defense of critical infrastructures. A showcase for those who truly make a difference.
Technical categories and evaluation criteria 🛡️
The awards cover categories such as innovation in security, where novel technical solutions are valued; leadership in incident response, focused on the ability to react to real threats; and defense of critical infrastructures, which rewards the protection of essential systems. Evaluation criteria include measurable impact, scalability, and replicability of initiatives. The jury is composed of industry experts who will analyze each application with technical rigor.
And the award for not having their server hacked goes to... 😅
Sure, because nothing says excellence in cybersecurity like launching an awards ceremony and hoping no one sneaks into the registration server. We can already imagine SOC teams competing for the trophy while putting out fires with one hand and drafting the application with the other. Of course, if your company suffers a ransomware attack just before the event, at least you'll have an anecdote for the acceptance speech.