The Community Choice Award is a separate public-voting recognition track. It is not judged by the jury. Every approved nomination automatically enters Community Choice at no additional cost. Winners are determined by social votes from nominee profile pages.

Community Choice operates on its own timeline, separate from all jury-evaluated categories. Voting is open from the moment a nomination is accepted and runs through July 18, 2026. Winners are announced ahead of Black Hat USA.

Jury Awards and Community Choice are independent. A nomination can receive Jury Award recognition, Community Choice recognition, both, or neither. Votes determine only Community Choice and do not affect jury results.