Celebrating Unsung Heroes in Cybersecurity: Q&A on The Hacker News' New Awards
For almost two decades, The Hacker News (THN) has been your go-to source for the latest cyberattacks, data breaches, and evolving threats. But behind every alarming headline, there's a quieter, more inspiring story—one of resilience, innovation, and dedication. That's why THN has launched the Cybersecurity Stars Awards 2026, a new initiative to honor the individuals, teams, and products that work tirelessly to protect the digital world. Submissions are now open, and we've answered your biggest questions below.
What Are the Cybersecurity Stars Awards?
The Cybersecurity Stars Awards, hosted by The Hacker News, are designed to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of the security industry. For years, THN has documented the dark side of cyberspace—ransomware, zero-days, and system failures. But this award series celebrates the positive side: leaders who make tough calls under pressure, teams that build smarter defenses, and products that hunt threats 24/7. It's a recognition of the quiet, persistent work that keeps organizations safe, often without fanfare.
Why Did The Hacker News Create These Awards?
THN has covered cybersecurity stories for nearly 20 years, and the team realized that while fear and urgency drive traffic, the real progress comes from behind-the-scenes efforts. Every big hack story has a counterpart—a defender who detected it, a leader who responded, a product that prevented worse damage. By launching the Cybersecurity Stars Awards, THN aims to balance its narrative: to inspire the next generation of professionals by showcasing what's possible when people and technology work together. It's about turning the spotlight from failure to solutions.
Who Can Be Nominated for the Awards?
The awards are open to three categories: individual leaders (e.g., CISOs, security directors), teams (e.g., SOC units, incident response groups), and security products (e.g., endpoint protection, threat intelligence platforms). Nominations can come from peers, colleagues, or self-submissions. The key criteria are demonstrated impact, innovation, and dedication to improving cybersecurity—whether through a major defense initiative, consistent threat hunting, or a product that truly makes a difference. Submissions are now open via the official submissions page.
What Are the Key Dates and Deadlines?
Submissions for the Cybersecurity Stars Awards 2026 opened in early 2025 and will close on June 30, 2026. After the deadline, a panel of THN editors and industry experts will review entries. Finalists will be announced in August 2026, and winners will be revealed during a special online ceremony in October 2026. All dates are subject to change, so check the official website for updates. Early submission is encouraged to allow ample time for review.
How Are Winners Selected?
Winners will be chosen by a judging committee composed of The Hacker News editorial staff and select external cybersecurity veterans. They will evaluate each nomination based on three pillars: impact (how much the nominee improved security posture), innovation (use of novel approaches or technology), and dedication (consistent effort over time). The committee will also consider real-world outcomes, such as prevented breaches or reduced response times. The process is designed to be transparent and merit-based, ensuring that truly deserving individuals and solutions get the recognition they deserve.
How Can I Submit a Nomination?
Submitting a nomination is simple. Visit the official Cybersecurity Stars Awards page on The Hacker News website. You'll need to fill out a short form with your contact details, the nominee's information, and a brief description (500 words or fewer) of why they deserve the award. Supporting evidence like case studies or metrics is welcome but not required. There is no fee to nominate, and you may submit multiple entries across different categories. The process takes about 10 minutes.
What Benefits Do Winners Receive?
Winners of the Cybersecurity Stars Awards 2026 will receive a digital trophy, a featured profile on The Hacker News (including an interview and write-up), and widespread recognition across THN's social media channels and newsletter. Additionally, winners gain an exclusive badge for use on websites and LinkedIn, plus a one-year complimentary subscription to THN's premium threat intelligence reports. The real prize, however, is the industry-wide acknowledgment of their contribution to making cyberspace safer—a career highlight for any cybersecurity professional.