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Cyber Policy Awards 2025: Celebrating Cybersecurity Leaders

On the evening of February 6, 2025, the Institute for Security and Technology (IST), in partnership with Microsoft and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Second Annual Cyber Policy Awards in Washington, D.C. This prestigious event recognized individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a significant impact in the field of cybersecurity policy.

This year's awards garnered the attention of approximately 240 cybersecurity leaders from various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society. The gathering provided a platform to not only celebrate accomplishments from the past year but also to discuss the increasing cybersecurity challenges facing the global landscape.

The event featured an extensive nomination process, narrowing down candidates through the evaluation of an independent judging panel of eight experts. The finalists were recognized for their efforts in enhancing the cybersecurity arena, with seven outstanding recipients receiving the coveted Cyber Policy Award of Merit.

Distinguished Recipients of 2025 Awards

• - Domestic Policy Impact: Gold medals were presented to Lauren Zabierek, Jack Cable, and Bob Lord for their leadership in implementing the Secure by Design initiative at CISA. They were recognized alongside Jim Richberg and Taylor Roberts, who represented the IT Sector Coordinating Council's dedication to advancing private sector engagement.

• - International Policy Influence: Dr. Adam Segal was acknowledged for his efforts in shaping U.S. strategies regarding international cyberspace and digital policy, highlighting the need for cooperation in an increasingly interconnected world.

• - International Partnership: The International Counter Ransomware Initiative was honored for its leadership in modifying the global response to ransomware threats, with contributions from representatives of multiple countries including the U.S., Germany, Australia, Canada, and Singapore.

• - Ecosystem Champion: J. Michael Daniel received accolades for his relentless commitment to community engagement and his innovative approach to building frameworks for a secure digital environment.

• - Research Impact: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cryptographic Technology Group was celebrated for their groundbreaking research leading to post-quantum cryptographic standards, demonstrating that continued innovation is vital in the cybersecurity field.

• - Excellence in Journalism: The Wall Street Journal team, including Sarah Krouse and others, received the award for their investigative reporting on the 'Salt Typhoon' cyber-espionage campaign, showcasing the critical role of media in alerting the public and influencing policy.

• - Lifetime Achievement: Leonard Bailey was recognized for his impressive three-decade-long contribution to the cyber community, significantly impacting law enforcement, cybersecurity, and intelligence sectors through collaboration and dedicated service.

The Future of Cybersecurity

As digital connectivity grows, the potential threats evolve, making initiatives like the Cyber Policy Awards essential. IST Chief Trust Officer Steve Kelly expressed that the gathering was a moment to reflect on past accomplishments and strategize for future security challenges. The awards serve not only to acknowledge excellence but to inspire continued growth and commitment to a secure digital future.

Amy Hogan-Burney from Microsoft lauded the honorees, emphasizing that their profound dedication and innovation in tackling cyber policy complexities improve collective cybersecurity. Vincent Voci of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce underlined the significance of smart and risk-based policies during this critical time.

With ongoing threats and expanding digital landscapes, the Cyber Policy Awards signal an evolving commitment to resilience and innovation in cybersecurity policy, showcasing the importance of collaboration among sectors to tackle the challenges ahead.

For details on this year’s awards and recipients, please visit Cyber Policy Awards Website.

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About the Organizers

The Institute for Security and Technology is a 501(c)(3) think tank that fosters collaboration among technology and policy leaders to address emerging security challenges through actionable solutions. Founded in 2019, it has undertaken numerous initiatives focused on significant issues, including ransomware and critical infrastructure resilience.

Microsoft is a global leader in technology committed to empowering organizations through innovation aimed at creating a safer digital world.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce serves as the largest business federation in the world, advocating for pro-business policies that support economic growth and job creation across diverse sectors.