PressContact's Shared Resources Series: Cybersecurity & Tech Awards Tracker
A free, open Google Sheet tracking cybersecurity and tech awards programs - deadlines, entry links, categories, fees, and working notes for PR and marketing teams. Copy it and put it to work today.
I'm starting a simple series: sharing the resources I actually use. No fluff, no gated PDFs - just working tools you can copy and put to work today. First up: the Cybersecurity & Tech Awards Tracker.
Open the Sheet
What's Inside
- Award name and issuing organization
- Program and entry links - issuer URL plus submission page when available
- Categories and segments: security, cloud, data, DevSecOps, and more
- Key dates: opens, deadlines, finalist and announcement windows
- Fee notes and eligibility requirements when listed
- Status tags: active, closed, expected next cycle
- Working notes for PR and marketing teams: pitch angle, proof points, past winners
How to Use It (Fast)
- Make a copy: File - Make a copy, then adapt to your company or client list.
- Prioritize by date: Sort by "Next Deadline" and work backward from the announcement date.
- Match proof points: Map award criteria to your best differentiators - customer wins, product milestones, ARR growth, security outcomes.
- Pre-build packets: Keep a folder with bios, product blurbs, logos, screenshots, and case study stats so you're not rebuilding every cycle.
- Track ROI: For each submission, log costs, placement results, backlink value, and sales/BD impact. If it doesn't pay off, cut it.
Why This Exists
Awards can be a time sink. The right ones help with social proof, partner leverage, analyst perception, recruiting, and SEO. The wrong ones burn budget and hours. This sheet separates signal from noise and keeps the team honest about what's worth doing.
I've spent years tracking these programs for clients at Trend Micro, Panda Security, Afilias, and now for current clients including RealDefense, Resecurity, and RunSafe Security. The sheet reflects what I actually use, not a comprehensive directory of every program that exists.
Contribute and Keep It Sharp
If you see a program missing, a date shifting, or fees changing, leave a comment in the sheet or use the form below. If you're an issuer, add your 2025-2026 dates and links.
Get Update Notifications
When I add new programs or update deadlines, I'll send a brief note to anyone on the list. No pitch sequences, no newsletters - just a quick heads-up when the sheet changes in a meaningful way.
More resources are coming in this series - media list templates, crisis comms checklists, pitch frameworks, and monitoring setups. If there's a specific tool or template that would be useful for your work, reach out and I'll prioritize it.