Award programs are an essential component of a comprehensive PR program designed to support brand building for both emerging and leading cybersecurity companies.

Award wins earn industry credibility, build thought leadership, showcase product innovation and support sales teams. They can also help juice employee recruitment efforts and boost team morale.

With numerous cybersecurity award available throughout the year, each varying in notoriety, competitiveness, and entry requirements, how do organizations know which ones to pursue? To help sort through the options, we are sharing our top five cybersecurity award recommendations.

SC Awards

The highest credibility and competitiveness of all U.S. cybersecurity awards belongs to the SC Awards. Presented by SC Media, the SC Awards recognize outstanding innovations, organizations, and leaders that are advancing information security. This award program offers categories for most cybersecurity products, along with executive and company specific awards, including Security Executive of the Year. In 2024, the SC Awards offered a total of 21 Trust Awards and 13 Excellence Awards, with new categories being introduced each year.

  • Deadline: Early Bird submissions are due in April, final entries are due at the end of May, and finalists are announced in August.
  • Submission Fee: $400 early bird rate or $595 standard entry rate.

SC Awards Europe

Similarly, the SC Europe Awards is the number one award for European companies, solutions and leaders. Hosted in London, winners are selected by a panel of over 30 judges handpicked by SC Media UK’s editorial team, including cybersecurity thought leaders and industry veterans.

  • Deadline: Submissions are due in February, a shortlist is announced in April, and winners are announced in June.
  • Submission Fee: $400 early bird rate or $595 standard entry rate.

Top InfoSec Innovator Award

The Top InfoSec Innovator awards program is owned by Cyber Defense Magazine and is another coveted option for organizations seeking recognition at RSA, the largest cybersecurity event of the year. Winners are announced live from RSA Conference and receive press release, social media and website promotion by Cyber Defense Magazine. This awards program also spans a wide variety of categories, covering virtually all areas of cybersecurity.

  • Deadline: Early bird submissions start in July and are due in September.
  • Submission Fee: $595 early bird, $695 normal and $795 late entry.                                                                                      

Cybersecurity Breakthrough Award

The Cybersecurity Breakthrough Awards are a great free and easy to enter option with over 15 categories, including cloud security, Internet-of-Things (IoT) security, and vulnerability management. Eligible entries must have occurred within two years prior to May of the current year.

  • Deadline: Submissions are due in July; winners are notified in August and publicly announced in October.
  • Bonus: Includes free website badge and social graphic for promotion.
  • Submission Fee: Free.

Cybersecurity Excellence Awards

The Cybersecurity Excellence Awards is a well-regarded program that recognizes the leading cybersecurity companies, products, and professionals. Nominations are judged by other cybersecurity peers, and defined by market segment, company size, and geography, allowing organizations of all sizes to compete for the recognition.

  • Deadline: Submissions are due in January, and winners are announced in late February.
  • Submission Fee: There are four entry packages starting at $499 per award nomination.

A strategic approach to building an award program is key to helping organizations identify the best options to support their specific goals. Winning an award or being named a finalist can significantly enhance brand standing, competitive differentiation, and position executives as industry leaders.

Have questions or looking for support with building an awards program? Let’s talk.

***

RH Strategic is a Seattle and D.C.-based PR agency with a nationwide presence and additional global reach via membership in the Worldcom Public Relations Group. We provide strategic public relations for innovators in the technology, government, healthcare, and social and environmental impact markets.