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CISOs Connect Opens Nominations for the CISO Top 100 Awards

Date: February 26, 2025
CISOs Connect, an exclusive organization dedicated to enhancing the role of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), has officially opened nominations for its prestigious 2025 CISOs Top 100 (C100) Awards. This event celebrates the most exceptional CISOs across North America, providing a much-deserved spotlight on leaders who have set high standards within the cybersecurity field.

The C100 Awards are notable not just for their high regard but also for the transparency of their selection process. Instead of following the controversial pay-for-play model seen in some industry awards, every aspect is designed to uphold integrity and merit. A clear set of criteria outlines the eligibility, ensuring that all nominees meet the rigorous standards expected in this competitive landscape.

Esteemed Judges Panel

The selection of winners will be determined by an esteemed panel of CISOs, renowned for their expertise within the industry. This year's judges include:

• - Brian Miller, CISO at Healthfirst
• - Frank Aiello, CISO at Maximus
• - Hussein Syed, CISO at RWJBarnabas Health
• - Kevin McKenzie, CISO at Ferguson Enterprises
• - Margarita Rivera, Global CISO at Carnival Corporation
• - Kurt Brissett, CISO at Transport for NSW
• - And many more distinguished professionals.

Recognizing Excellence in Cybersecurity

The awards aim to acknowledge CISOs who have not only excelled in their roles but have also committed to uplifting the cybersecurity community. This includes mentoring the next generation of professionals, engaging in voluntary security initiatives, and contributing to professional networks.

The criteria for nomination specify that candidates should:

• - Have served in a CISO or equivalent role for at least five years.
• - Maintain active involvement in professional organizations related to cybersecurity.
• - Participate in security-related volunteer work or activism.
• - Engage in mentorship, training, or education for emerging cybersecurity professionals across various functions.

Nominations can be submitted directly by nominees or put forward by third parties, and importantly, there are no fees associated with the nomination process. Winners will be revealed at the CISOs Connect NYC conference scheduled for April 7, 2025.

The Rising Importance of CISO Roles

As cyber threats continue to escalate worldwide, the role of CISOs becomes increasingly critical for organizations of all sizes. Brian Miller, a notable judging panel member, emphasizes the fundamental role CISOs play in safeguarding businesses against the backdrop of rising cyberattacks. “There’s no doubt that CISOs have become essential to organizations due to ongoing global cyber threats,” he stated.

Kevin McKenzie echoed this sentiment, stating, “The C100 awards celebrate excellence through a transparent selection process and peer-review system, raising the bar within the industry and ensuring exceptional leaders are recognized.”

CISOs Connect believes that excellence in cybersecurity leadership must also demonstrate commitment, transparency, and the drive to inspire the next wave of professionals in this paramount field.

Supporting Sponsors

This year, Black Kite is proudly supporting the C100 awards, providing crucial backing that reinforces the significance of the award’s merit-based recognition process. Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, praised Black Kite for its enduring support of the awards and the critical role CISOs play in maintaining cyber integrity in their organizations.

Paul Paget, Black Kite's CEO, remarked on the importance of the C100 awards, reaffirming their dedication to uncomplicated and demonstrative criteria for recognizing leading cybersecurity professionals.

Conclusion

CISOs Connect not only stands as an elite community for CISOs but also as a powerful platform for sharing knowledge and resources aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity landscape. With this year’s C100 awards looking to recognize top talents in the field, nominations are more than just an accolade but also a step toward advancing the industry as a whole. For those looking to nominate candidates, visit CISOs Connect Awards Platform.