May 8, 2024 Portal26 Honors Cyber Leaders in Security Awards at RSA

For the second year, the Champions in Security Awards honor cyber leaders who embody key human values.

The Portal26-sponsored Champions in Security Awards is in its second year and will be held at RSA Conference 2024 (RSAC) on Monday, May 6, 2024. Nominated by their industry peers, the program honors cybersecurity leaders who exemplify the important human values of Respect, Inclusion, Collaboration, Community, Innovation, and Education.

“It’s our privilege to celebrate the commitment of our honorees pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in safeguarding our digital world,” said Arti Raman, CEO, Portal26. “This year’s theme, ‘The Art of the Possible,’ reminds us that true innovation in security requires not only technical prowess but also creativity, collaboration, and intuition. Just as artists weave together colors, shapes, and textures to create masterpieces, cybersecurity professionals must leverage diverse perspectives, forge meaningful connections, and think outside the box to stay ahead of emerging threats. Together, we are not just defending against cyber threats; we are crafting a future where security is not just a goal but a reality.”

Renowned cybersecurity leaders Sylvia Acevedo, Qualcomm Board Director and former CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA, and Troy Wilkinson, Global CISO, IPG, will also present keynote addresses.

“With the incredible technology advancements over the past few years comes new threat surfaces and challenges. It only makes sense to honor the individuals leading the way in addressing how enterprises can move forward securely, responsibly, and productively in our brave new world,” said Wilkinson.

Acevedo, who was named 2018 Cybersecurity Person of the Year, added, “Day after day, cybersecurity pros work round the clock so that nothing happens and all of us can go about our lives and work without constant worry. We only hear about the failures – it’s wonderful to take time to celebrate those who are leading our profession in keeping our digital world safe.”

The awardees to be recognized during the celebration at RSA San Francisco are:

• Champion in Security for Respect, honoring those who foster kind and respectful behavior within their own organizations as well as in forums, industry groups, and security events.
  • Winner: Leigh Honeywell, CEO, Tallpoppy
  • Winner: Kurt John, CIO/CSO, Expedia
  • Winner: Samantha Mahan, Director, Information Security Risk, Interpublic Group (IPG)
• Champion in Security in Community, honoring professionals who make meaningful efforts towards bringing practitioners together.
  • Winner: Nils Puhlmann, Co-founder of Cloud Security Alliance, Founder and CEO of Endari
  • Winner: Renee Guttmann, Founder, Principal, Cisohive
  • Winner: HK Parekh, Chief Security Officer, SVP Engineering, Panasonic Blue Yonder
• Champion in Security for Collaboration, awarding those who nurture the belief that security is stronger when leaders share intelligence.
  • Winner: Kim Jones, Director Performance Acceleration (CyberCRAFT), Intuit
• Champion in Security for Inclusion, honoring leaders who strive to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization and the profession at large.
  • Winner: Janet Cinfio, CIO, Acxiom
  • Winner: Nandini Easwar, Head of Engg Opps & Security, HR Acuity
  • Winner: Shannon Wilkinson, Founder, CTO, President, Tego Cyber,
• Champion in Security for Innovation, awarding those who provide support and encouragement to professionals with innovative ideas.
  • Winner: Piyoush Sharma, Silicon Valley CxO Advisory Board Member, CISO Advisor – Hetz Executive Network
  • Winner: Sangram Dash, VP, CISO and Head of IT, Sisense
• Champion in Security for Education, honoring professionals who lead the industry with the understanding that the future of cybercrime affects the next generation and educates them on the best digital safety practices.
  • Winner: Tanya Janca, Head of Education and Community, Semgrep
  • Winner: Aditya Chikkala, Senior Director, Information Security at Guidewire Software
  • Winner: Manju Mude, CISO, Oportun
  • Winner: Andres Andreu, Deputy CISO, Hearst

Subscribe to Industry Today