Awards & Recognition

Honoring the elite defenders who stand against advanced persistent threats

Top Defenders of 2025

The highest honor awarded to the team demonstrating exceptional skill in threat detection, incident response, and APT attribution during the 6-8 hour live challenge.

Digital Trophy & Badge
Media Coverage
Co-authored Case Study
LinkedIn Credentials

Award Categories

Best Detection Accuracy

Awarded to the team with the highest accuracy in identifying and classifying threats during the simulation.

Judging Criteria:

  • True positive rate
  • False positive minimization
  • IOC identification
  • Attack chain reconstruction

Fastest Response Time

Recognizes the team that demonstrates the quickest and most effective incident response procedures.

Judging Criteria:

  • Mean time to detection
  • Containment speed
  • Escalation efficiency
  • Recovery time

Excellence in Documentation

Honors teams that provide comprehensive, clear, and actionable incident documentation.

Judging Criteria:

  • Report clarity
  • Evidence preservation
  • Timeline accuracy
  • Actionable recommendations

Best APT Attribution

Awarded for the most accurate identification and attribution of APT group tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Judging Criteria:

  • TTP mapping accuracy
  • Attribution confidence
  • Evidence correlation
  • Threat intelligence usage

Best Team Collaboration

Recognizes exceptional teamwork, communication, and coordination during high-pressure scenarios.

Judging Criteria:

  • Task distribution
  • Communication clarity
  • Decision coordination
  • Knowledge sharing

Innovation Award

Special recognition for creative problem-solving, novel techniques, or innovative approaches to threat hunting.

Judging Criteria:

  • Creative methodologies
  • Unique insights
  • Tool utilization
  • Problem-solving approach

How to Nominate

All participants are automatically considered for awards based on their performance during the event. However, teams can also nominate colleagues or other teams for special recognition.

1

Participate in the Event

All registered teams are automatically eligible for performance-based awards.

2

Submit Nominations

Teams can nominate others for special categories like Innovation or Team Collaboration.

3

Judge Review

Expert panel evaluates all submissions and nominations based on established criteria.

4

Recognition Ceremony

Winners announced during the post-event livestream with immediate badge issuance.

Nomination Form

Available during the event

  • Team being nominated
  • Award category
  • Justification (200 words)
  • Supporting evidence
Nominations close 30 minutes after event end

Judge Panel

Awards are evaluated by a distinguished panel of five cybersecurity experts, ensuring fair and professional assessment of all participants.

CISOs & Security Leaders

Executive-level cybersecurity professionals from leading organizations

DFIR Experts

Digital forensics and incident response specialists with hands-on experience

Academic & Military Instructors

Cybersecurity educators from recognized institutions and defense organizations

Industry Partners

Representatives from cybersecurity product vendors and service providers

Interested in joining our judge panel?

Apply as Judge

Recognition Package

Digital Badges

Professional-grade digital badges that can be displayed on LinkedIn, email signatures, and professional profiles.

Custom Trophies

Personalized digital trophies with team names, achievement details, and event branding.

Exclusive Swag

Limited-edition merchandise and collectibles commemorating your achievement.

Compete for Recognition

Join the elite competition and prove your team's capabilities against the world's best cyber defenders.

Register Your Team Nominate a Team