The Hacker News Opens Submissions for CyberStars Awards 2026

The Hacker News has launched the Cybersecurity Stars Awards 2026, a global recognition program aimed at surfacing the often-invisible work behind successful cyber defense. Submissions are open through May 15, 2026, with winners announced May 26, 2026, via the dedicated awards portal at awards.thehackernews.com.

Four categories accept nominations: Cybersecurity Product/Service, Industry Solution (finance, healthcare, government, critical infrastructure), Cybersecurity Company, and Cybersecurity Professional/Team. Applicants create an account, purchase nomination credits, select categories, and submit a structured entry detailing impact and innovation. Each entry passes through what the publication describes as an impartial review process.

The pitch to vendors centers on audience: The Hacker News reaches CISOs, practitioners, and enterprise buyers, so recognition functions as procurement-adjacent visibility rather than a symbolic plaque. The program is positioned as an extension of the outlet’s editorial reputation into a paid awards franchise — a common monetization model among security trade publications.