TLDR: The 2025 CSO Awards have recognized leading organizations and individuals for their exceptional contributions to cybersecurity, highlighting innovative strategies and transformative projects. The awards emphasize the critical role of advanced security measures, including AI and machine learning, in combating sophisticated cyber threats. Winners and Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the CSO Conference + Awards in October 2025.
NEW YORK, NY – September 22, 2025 – CSO, a premier authority in security and risk management, has unveiled the recipients of its esteemed 2025 CSO Awards and the distinguished inductees into the CSO Hall of Fame. These accolades celebrate organizations and individuals demonstrating unparalleled thought leadership, business value, and innovation in the cybersecurity landscape.
The awards come at a pivotal time when the scope and complexity of cybersecurity responsibilities are rapidly expanding, particularly in the face of emerging AI-driven threats. Beth Kormanik, Content Director of the CSO Conference & Awards, emphasized this challenge, stating, “This year’s CSO Award winners exemplify how today’s security leaders are meeting these challenges head-on. From deploying machine learning to detect sophisticated attacker behaviors to implementing passwordless authentication across large organizations, these initiatives reflect the value of bold, forward-thinking security strategies.”
The recognized projects showcase a diverse range of cutting-edge security strategies. Initiatives include the deployment of machine learning for sophisticated attacker behavior detection and the implementation of organization-wide passwordless authentication systems. These efforts underscore the industry’s proactive stance against evolving cyber risks.
Among the numerous organizations honored with a 2025 CSO Award are A+E Global Media, Accenture, Adobe, Aflac, Ally Financial, Amtrak, Avanade, Brunswick Corporation, Carvana, Cloud Security Alliance, Intel Corporation, Mastercard, Munich Re, Qualcomm Incorporated, SAP SE, Sitecore, United Airlines, Inc., and Walmart, Inc., among many others.
In addition to organizational awards, the CSO Hall of Fame inducted several luminaries for their enduring impact on the cybersecurity field. This prestigious honor is reserved for security leaders with at least a decade of experience at the CSO or CISO level, who have exhibited exceptional vision, leadership, and influence. Inductees have not only shaped their organizations’ security strategies but have also significantly contributed to the broader industry through service, mentorship, innovation, and thought leadership.
Notable 2025 CSO Hall of Fame Inductees include Meg Anderson (VP & CISO retired, Principal Financial Group), Bob Bruns (CISO, Avanade), Jonathan Chow (CISO, Genesys), Mignona Cote (SVP & CISO, Infor), Laura Deaner (Managing Director, CISO, The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC)), George Finney (CISO, University of Texas System), Michael Gordon (SVP & CISO, McDonald’s), Ron Green (Cybersecurity Fellow/Former CSO, Mastercard), and Shawn Henry (CSO, CrowdStrike).
Amy Bennett, Editor in Chief for CSOonline.com, lauded the Hall of Fame inductees, highlighting their contributions across various sectors, including ISACs, military, corporate, and nonprofit boards. She noted their achievements in building security programs from the ground up, leading complex transformations, and guiding organizations through high-stakes security incidents. Bennett also recognized their roles as authors, educators, and mentors dedicated to advancing the next generation of security professionals.
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The 2025 CSO Award winners and Hall of Fame inductees will be formally celebrated at the CSO Conference + Awards, scheduled to take place from October 20-22, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas in Indian Wells, CA. The conference will provide attendees with invaluable opportunities to connect with peers, delve deeper into the award-winning projects, and share critical insights on navigating the evolving security landscape.
