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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. Nominations are OPEN! We are accepting nominations now through Monday, September 15.

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DMAs
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Nominations are Now Open!

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. Here are this year's categories:

  • Practitioner of the Year
    • Cyber Defender(s)
    • ICS/OT Defender(s)
    • Red Teamer(s) or Offensive Operator
    • DFIR/Threat Intelligence Forensicator(s)
  • People’s Champion of the Year 
  • Innovation of the Year
  • Media Creator of the Year (Podcast, Livestream or Book)
  • Rising Star of the Year
  • CISO of the Year
  • Cybersecurity Company of the Year
  • Lifetime Achievement Award

Deadline to Submit: Monday, September 15 at 11:59 p.m. EDT (UTC-4) 

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Difference Makers Awards

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. At the SANS Cyber Defense Initiative conference in December 2024, SANS held its annual celebration of the most dedicated and innovative people who made a difference in security in 2024. 

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. We've also partnered with on Chris Cochran and Ron Eddings from Hacker Valley Media as they share our passion for supporting the unsung heroes of cybersecurity and the humans at work behind the technology.

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.

Difference Makers Awards 2025 Categories

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.

Watch on LinkedInWatch on YouTube

Advisory Board

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

Lynn Dohm is the Executive Director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS). 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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Ron Eddings

Ron Eddings

Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Hacker Valley Media

N/A

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Delisha Hodo

Delisha Hodo

Assistant Director of Advising

N/A

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Tia Hopkins

Tia Hopkins

Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO, eSentire

Tia Hopkins has spent more than two decades in the IT and IT Security industry and is currently the Chief Cyber Resilience Officer & Field CTO at eSentire.

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Dave Kennedy

Founder

Named one of the Top 10 IT Security Influencers in the World by CISO Platform, Dave has more than 20 years of experience in the security industry.

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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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