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SEC595: Applied Data Science and AI/Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Professionals

SEC595Cyber Defense, Artificial Intelligence
SEC595: Applied Data Science and AI/Machine Learning for Cybersecurity Professionals
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SANS Difference Makers Awards

The SANS Difference Makers Awards shine a light on the cybersecurity practitioners who are leading innovative developments in the industry, who’ve made outstanding security achievements, and who are contributing back to the InfoSec community in ways that deserve recognition.

DMAs
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Tune in for the Difference Makers Awards Ceremony

Sunday, December 14th, 2025, at 7:30 PM EST (UTC-5)

Join us for the 2025 Difference Makers Awards ceremony, streaming live on LinkedIn, YouTube, and X.  

Choose your preferred platform and select “Attend” or “Notify Me" on the event page to receive reminders as the date approaches.

Interested in Sponsoring the 2025 DMAs?

Want to learn how your organization can take part in this year's ceremony?

Contact us at differencemakers@sans.org to explore sponsorship opportunities.

DMA Awards 2025

Difference Makers Awards 2025

Voting for the 2025 Difference Makers Awards has now closed and the planning for the ceremony is underway! Stay tuned, we'll be posting the livestream links here soon, so you can tune in that night.

Interested in Sponsoring the 2025 DMAs?

If you'd like to learn more about how your organization can be involved in this year's ceremony, email us at differencemakers@sans.org.

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2025 Nominees

Why Are The DMAs special?

There are thousands of cyber security practitioners out there who are quietly succeeding and making breakthroughs every day in advancing security. It's time to recognize these individuals and teams. Each December at the SANS Cyber Defense Initiative conference, we honor the most dedicated and innovative people making a difference in security.

This prestigious annual awards program honored individuals and teams in the cyber security community who have made a measurable and significant difference in security. Through their implementation of security processes or technology, each person has raised the bar in enabling secure business operations and reducing risk.

We expanded the awards to include top mentors, content creators and the most influential champions focused on building the next generation.

The common denominator in each nominee is their willingness and ability to do what SANS calls 'Fight the Good Fight' in advancing the state of practice in cybersecurity.

Interested in Sponsoring the 2025 DMA's?

If you'd like to learn more about how your organization can be involved in this year's ceremony, email us at differencemakers@sans.org.

2024 Difference Makers Awards Ceremony | Watch the Replay

The 2024 Difference Makers Awards ceremony was livestreamed on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook on Sunday, December 15, 2024. It was a most special night of highlighting and celebrating our nominees — amazing unsung heroes in the cybersecurity community. Catch the replay on your channel of choice.

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Advisory Board

Heather Adkins

Heather Adkins

VP, Security Engineering

Heather Adkins is a 21-year Google veteran and founding member of the Google Security Team. As VP, Security Engineering, she has built a global team responsible for maintaining the safety and security of Google’s networks, systems and applications.

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Chris Cochran

Chris Cochran

Founder and CEO

Chris Cochran is a Marine Corps veteran, cybersecurity leader, and strategist with deep expertise in threat intelligence, security operations, emerging technology, and executive leadership.

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Lynn Dohm

Lynn Dohm

Executive Director

From her experience in the cybersecurity education sector to active involvement in grant-funded programs and nonprofits, Lynn advocates and spreads awareness on the importance of diversifying the cybersecurity workforce.

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Adam Ennamli

Adam Ennamli

Chief Risk, Compliance & Security Officer

Adam serves as Chief Risk, Compliance & Security Officer at General Bank of Canada, where he leads enterprise-wide risk programs.

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Ross Haleliuk

Ross Haleliuk

Co-Founder & CEO

Ross is a cybersecurity leader and a startup founder. Outside of work, Ross is a startup advisor, angel investor, and a frequent contributor to leading tech media such as TechCrunch, Forbes, VentureBeat, and Dark Reading.

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Delisha Hodo

Delisha Hodo

Assistant Director of Advising

Delisha manages a team of advisors while supporting the growth and expansion of the SANS Cyber Academies.

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FAQ

See Past Winners

Discover the inspiring individuals and teams who’ve made a lasting impact in previous Difference Makers Awards.

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SANS Difference Makers Awards | SANS Institute