CISOs Connect opens nominations for 2026 DC100 deputy CISO awards
CISOs Connect has opened nominations for its 2026 DC100 awards, which will recognize 100 deputy CISOs and other second-in-command cybersecurity leaders.
CISOs Connect has opened nominations for its 2026 DC100: CISOs Connects Top 100 Deputy CISO Awards, a program that will recognize 100 cybersecurity executives who serve as second-in-command leaders, according to a company release.
The awards are aimed at deputy CISOs and other executives who help shape security strategy, guide teams and manage risk as artificial intelligence changes the pace and scope of cybersecurity decisions, the release said.
According to the announcement, the DC100 awards are peer-selected and merit-based. Candidates may self-nominate or be nominated by a CISO, manager, colleague or peer. Eligible nominees are deputy CISOs or other cybersecurity executives serving in second-in-command roles.
The release says nominees will be evaluated on the scope and significance of their responsibilities, strategic and organizational impact, innovation, cross-functional and business leadership, mentoring and talent development, professional and industry contributions, readiness for broader executive leadership, and how they help their organizations navigate AI and other emerging technologies.
CISOs Connect also said the 2026 honorees will be selected by an independent board of cybersecurity executives. The group described the DC100 as part of its Top 100 Awards portfolio, which also includes the C100 for CISOs with five or more years in the role and the A100 for CISOs with fewer than five years in the role.
The announcement quoted CISOs Connect leaders saying deputy CISOs increasingly influence strategy, lead AI governance and enterprise risk, and help organizations balance opportunity and risk. Frank Aiello, senior vice president and CISO at Maximus and a member of the 2026 DC100 board of judges, said deputy CISOs are “force multipliers for the CISO,” according to the release.
Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, said AI is changing the scope and speed of decisions security leaders make. David Cass, president of CISOs Connect, said strong deputy CISOs need to understand the business, communicate risk to senior leadership, develop talent and make decisions around AI, the release said.
Nominations close Aug. 14, 2026. Winners will be notified in early September and announced Sept. 14, 2026 through a virtual awards ceremony and in-person recognition at CISOs Connect Austin, according to the company.
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