Ahead of ISC2 Security Congress 2024, we take a closer look at and celebrate the winners of the career achievement awards within this year’s Global Achievement Awards. Who will you nominate for an award in 2025?

ISC2 Rising Star Professional Awards

These awards recognize the accomplishments and contributions of up-and-coming professionals who have made a significant impact in the cybersecurity industry early in their career.

  • Americas: Daniel Baloch, CC, Associate of ISC2, Threat Analyst, New York City Office of Technology & Innovation - For his impact on the cybersecurity field through innovation, dedication and a profound commitment to advancing a safer and secure cyber world, Daniel Baloch has received this year’s Rising Star award. His innovation in cybersecurity, highlighted by his creation of advanced threat prediction algorithms and his transformative work in cloud security, sets him apart as a forward-thinker in the field.
  • Asia-Pacific: Tien-Hao Chan, CISSP, CC, Principal Security Engineer, XREX - Tien-Hao Chan has delivered innovations in anti-money laundering and blockchain tracing, along with his key role in elevating the security standards of the cryptocurrency industry. His leadership and technical innovations have not only addressed significant security challenges in the industry but also enhanced the security and credibility of the cryptocurrency sector.
  • EMEA: Nadine Hickey, SSCP, Senior Cyber Engagement Technical Analyst, Bank of Ireland - Nadine Hickey’s leadership, innovation and dedication have brought about fundamental changes, transforming her organization's cybersecurity practices and influencing industry standards and practices. Her contributions to the field of information security and commitment to continuous improvement and excellence make her an inspiration to her peers and a driving force in the industry's advancement.

ISC2 Mid-Career Professional Awards

These awards recognize individuals at the mid-career stage – who have 6-14 years of work experience directly related to cybersecurity – who have demonstrated commitment and achievement in their profession.

  • Americas: Aaron Bond, CISSP, CCSP, Cybersecurity Senior Manager, Defensive Security, The Home Depot - For his tireless efforts to grow and strengthen the industry and people around him, Aaron Bond has been recognized. He is a champion of empowerment for people of all different backgrounds, by mentoring and providing tangible work experience to foster their career.
  • Asia-Pacific: Jadet Khuhakongkit, CISSP, CC, Assistant Secretary General, National Cyber Security Agency of Thailand - Jadet Khuhakongkit has demonstrated strategic foresight and dedication that has significantly shaped the cybersecurity landscape, benefiting military and civilian sectors alike. He was instrumental in developing robust cybersecurity policies and operations that enhance national security and protect critical infrastructures across various sectors. His initiatives have directly contributed to the creation of national cybersecurity standards and guidelines that serve as benchmarks for cybersecurity practices across the nation.
  • EMEA: Maxwell Ash, CISSP, Cyber Security Consultant, Inceptiv Ltd. - Maxwell Ash has demonstrated leadership skills at a pan-European level, working on projects to deliver societal benefit through more secure and safe connected and autonomous vehicle infrastructure.

ISC2 Senior Professional Awards

These awards recognize individuals who have significantly contributed to the cybersecurity workforce by demonstrating a leadership role in their profession. The recipients of this award are senior professionals with at least 15 years of work experience directly related to cybersecurity.

  • Americas: Sametria McKinney, CISSP, Director, National Computer Incident Response Team - Sametria McKinney has received this year’s award for her passion for cybersecurity by embracing any opportunity to grow the talent pool nationally and regionally. She is passionate about all facets of information security training, education and awareness, and has become the face of cybersecurity in The Bahamas.
  • Asia-Pacific: Ameen Sharif, CISSP, CEO, ITnIS Consulting - Ameen Sharif has been recognized for his visionary leadership in both military and civilian sectors, showcasing his profound impact on the field of information security. This includes modernizing IT and InfoSec laboratories and updating curricula at the Pakistan Naval Academy. Doing so not only earned the institution ISO9000 certification but also set new training standards for information warfare.
  • EMEA: Niel Harper, CISSP, Chief Information Security Officer & Data Protection Officer, Doodle - Tor his contribution to advancing the cybersecurity profession across the globe over the past 20 years, Niel Harper has received this year’s award. He has held senior leadership and advisory roles at several global organizations and has served in volunteer leadership positions for numerous cybersecurity organizations. He is deeply committed to ensuring that individuals and organizations consistently benefit from safety, privacy, security, reliability, and data ethics when using online platforms.

We will be celebrating this year's winners throughout ISC2 Security Congress 2024. Find out more and register.