CISO of the Year 2026 - Online application form

What is the application process of the CISO of the Year 2026 Award?

1. Complete and submit the application form by 30 September 2026. A jury of experts will review the applications and select the candidates they want to see in phase 2.

2. If you are selected, you will be invited to a 45-min interview with the jury on the morning of 15 October 2026. The interview will take place at the Luxembourg House of Cybersecurity, in-person (mandatory).

3. The winner will be announced at the CSWL Gala & Awards Night 2026 on 22 October 2026 at Kinepolis Kirchberg.

Your contact details

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Your contact details

Your vision and achievement

Your presence at the CSWL Gala & Awards Night

Your Last and First Name *

Job title *

Your CV *

Your LinkedIn Profile *

Strategic Vision & Anticipation

How has your vision of the CISO role evolved in light of recent regulations (NIS2, DORA, CRA, AI Act) and emerging technological disruptions (AI, quantum, cloud)? *

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How do you ensure your cybersecurity strategy remains forward-looking, adaptable, and innovation-enabling? *

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Governance, Accountability & Board Engagement

If your organisation is subject to the NIS2 Act:

How have you adapted your governance to meet NIS2 requirements, particularly executive accountability? *

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How do you engage the Board on cyber risk, regulatory obligations, and future threats? *

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If your organisation isn’t currently within the scope of NIS2:

Not every organization is currently within the scope of NIS2. If yours were required to comply, what governance changes would you prioritize to strengthen executive accountability? *

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How would you prepare and engage the Board to oversee cyber risk, regulatory obligations, and the evolving threat landscape? *

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Balancing Compliance, Risk & Business Value

How do you balance regulatory compliance with a risk-based and business-driven approach? *

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How do you ensure cybersecurity is seen as a business enabler rather than a constraint? *

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Operational Resilience & Crisis Leadership

What concrete actions have you taken to strengthen operational resilience (e.g., DORA alignment, crisis exercises, recovery capabilities)? *

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Describe a significant cyber incident or crisis you managed and learned key lessons. *

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Third-Party & Supply Chain Security

How do you manage and anticipate risks across your supply chain and third-party ecosystem, including cloud providers? *

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How are you preparing for Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) requirements? *

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Emerging Threats & Secure Innovation

What are the most critical emerging threats you are addressing (e.g., AI-driven attacks, systemic risks)? *

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How do you secure innovation and anticipate technological shifts, ensuring “security by design” in transformation initiatives? *

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Data Protection & Digital Sovereignty

How do you integrate data protection and sovereignty requirements into your cybersecurity strategy? *

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What is your approach to balancing global operations with European strategic autonomy objectives? *

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Security Culture, Talent & Transformation

How do you build a strong security culture that supports both resilience and innovation? *

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How do you address skills evolution and talent shortages, especially for future capabilities (AI, automation, resilience engineering)? *

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Measurable Impact & Performance

How do you measure the effectiveness and business impact of your cybersecurity program? *

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What are the most significant tangible results you have achieved in the past two years? *

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Leadership, Ecosystem & Differentiation

How do you contribute to the broader cybersecurity ecosystem and collective resilience? *

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What differentiates your leadership, and why should you be selected as CISO of the Year 2026? *

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I confirm that I will be present at the CSWL Gala & Awards Night on 22 October 2026 at 18h30 at Kinepolis Kirchberg (mandatory). *

Yes