FAQs Archive | Cybersecurity Excellence Awards

How the Awards Work

How the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Work 2027 nominations are open. Now in its second decade, the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards recognize the companies, products, and professionals shaping the future of cybersecurity. Presented by Cybersecurity Insiders and backed by a community of 600,000+ security practitioners, the program has honored 500+ winners across more than 100+ categories since its inception. Past winners include industry leaders like Zscaler, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks alongside hundreds of fast-growing innovators across every segment of the market. Organizations, products, and professionals across every segment of cybersecurity are eligible to participate worldwide. Both self-nominations and nominations on behalf of others are welcome. Whether you're showcasing a breakthrough product, highlighting your organization's security leadership, or honoring the professionals driving real impact, you'll find a category that fits. 2027 Awards Timeline The a…

How Can I Use My Award Badge?

Winners receive an official award badge with a perpetual, worldwide license. You can display the badge across websites, social media, sales decks, marketing campaigns, email signatures, printed materials, and at events in any region — at no additional cost. Follow any specific usage guidelines provided with the badge to maintain the integrity of the award and your marketing efforts.

Where Can I Download My Award Badge?

Follow this link to download the most recent award badge images in various formats: Cybersecurity Excellence Awards Badges

How Many Certificates Will I Receive?

A certificate is available on request (no charge), one for each winning nomination. Winners can also order a trophy. Trophies are not part of any package and are charged separately.

To request a certificate or to order a trophy, write to info@cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com.

Can I Use the Award in Press Releases and Marketing Materials?

Yes, and we encourage it. Winners receive a winner toolkit that includes press release templates, social media assets, and promotional best practices to help maximize the visibility of their recognition. We also offer impact programs built on independent research, editorial reach, and a 600K+ practitioner community to turn award recognition into press coverage, pipeline, and boardroom-level positioning that keeps paying off well past the announcement.

How Can I Maximize Visibility for My Nomination and Award Win?

Start sharing your nomination page as soon as it goes live — every social share counts as a Community Choice vote and increases your profile’s visibility in the awards directory. Tag the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards in your posts for amplification across our social channels. After winning, leverage your badge, press release templates, and social assets across all channels. Winners commonly promote their recognition through BusinessWire or PR Newswire press releases, LinkedIn campaigns, investor and analyst briefings, sales collateral, recruiting materials, and event displays at RSA Conference and Black Hat. Consistent promotion over time — rather than a single announcement — generates the most sustained visibility. We also offer impact programs built on independent research, editorial reach, and a 600K+ practitioner community to turn award recognition into press coverage, pipeline, and boardroom-level positioning that keeps paying off well past the announcement.

How Do I Ensure My LinkedIn Account Is Correctly Tagged in Promotional Posts?

Submit your official company LinkedIn URL during the nomination process. If you need to update it after submission, contact the awards team and we will correct it for future promotional posts.

Are There Additional Promotional Opportunities Beyond the Standard Nomination?

Yes. The Plus and Pro packages add regular announcements on our social media channels during the season, and the Pro package features one nomination of your choice on our homepage. Contact us to discuss collaboration opportunities, featured posts, or custom visibility options. Also see the post-win opportunities to create more impact in the market.

How Much Does a Nomination Cost?

The fee depends on what you nominate. There is one fee for a nomination in a Professional / Team category, and one fee for a nomination in a Company, Product / Service or Industry Solution category. If you plan multiple nominations, a package costs less for each nomination.

You find all current fees and packages on the Fees page. Winning and using the award badge cost nothing extra.

What Payment Methods Are Accepted?

You can pay by credit card or PayPal. Payment by bank transfer, ACH or check is available on request: write to info@cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com.

You can pay in advance on the Fees page, or at checkout, the last step of your nomination. On your card or PayPal statement, the payment appears as METATARGET LLC, the company that operates the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.

After the payment, you receive a confirmation by email. If it does not arrive within a few minutes, please check your spam folder.

Can You Provide a Formal Quotation, Contract, or Invoice?

Yes. Many organizations require formal accounting documentation (quotation, contract, payment request, or invoice) for internal procurement processing. Contact info@cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com with your requirements and we will provide the necessary documentation promptly. If your finance team has an internal deadline or holiday closure that requires expedited processing, let us know your timeline and we will prioritize your request.

Can Someone Else Pay for My Nominations?

Yes. A colleague, a finance team or an agency can pay for any option, a single nomination or a package, without an awards account.

The payer pays in advance on the Fees page. The Fees page also explains how the payment reaches the person who enters the nominations. That person does not pay again at checkout, the last step of a nomination.

If you have a question about a payment, write to info@cybersecurity-excellence-awards.com and we will help.