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The Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards shine a light on the innovative cybersecurity solutions needed to combat the rise of global cybercrime.Today inOrlandoCyber Defense Magazine, the leading information security magazine, has announced that the 14th annual Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards are now open for applications. The awards recognize innovative cybersecurity companies and solutions, with winners receiving titles such as “Hot Company,” “Best Product,” and “Most Innovative.” A limited number of winners will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions at the prestigious CyberDefenseCon 2026 event in Orlando, Florida.
Why it matters
As cybercrime continues to rise globally, with increasing threats like cloud exploits, AI weaponization, and ransomware, the need for innovative cybersecurity solutions has never been greater. The Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards aim to identify and celebrate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and technologies that can help organizations and individuals better protect against these evolving threats.
The details
The awards are open to cybersecurity startups, early-stage, later-stage, and public companies. A panel of CISSP, FMDHS, CEH certified security professionals and venture capitalists will evaluate the submissions based on factors like unique value proposition, market potential, and innovation. Winners will receive various titles and opportunities, including showcasing their solutions at CyberDefenseCon 2026.
- The 14th annual Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards are now open for applications.
- Finalists will be announced during BlackHat USA 2026.
- Winners will be announced and honored at CyberDefenseCon 2026, taking place October 20-21, 2026 in Orlando, Florida.
The players
Cyber Defense Magazine
The industry’s leading electronic information security magazine and host of CyberDefenseCon 2026.
Gary S. Miliefsky
Globally recognized cyber security expert and Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine.
What they’re saying
“Cybercrime has far surpassed any other form of crime, worldwide, with so many unstopped breaches, new cloud exploits, weaponization of AI, nation state cyber espionage, critical infrastructure attacks, phishing attacks and ransomware all on the rise, and the need for quantum resilience, it’s time to invest in some of the newest and most innovative cybersecurity solutions.”
— Gary S. Miliefsky, Globally Recognized Cyber Security Expert and Publisher of Cyber Defense Magazine
“If you think you have what it takes to be named one of our winners and receive our coveted award, now is the time to apply.”
— Gary S. Miliefsky, Cyber Defense Magazine
What’s next
Innovative companies that wish to apply for the Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards may visit http://www.cyberdefenseawards.com/.
The takeaway
The Top InfoSec Innovator and Black Unicorn Awards are a critical initiative to identify and celebrate the next generation of cybersecurity leaders and solutions that can help organizations and individuals better protect against the rapidly evolving threat landscape. As cybercrime continues to rise globally, these awards aim to drive innovation and investment in the cybersecurity industry.
