SecurityWeek has introduced the Critical Impact Awards, a newly established program designed to honor outstanding contributions in the field of industrial cybersecurity. The winners will be announced at the 2026 ICS Cybersecurity Conference in Nashville, an event that also marks the conference's 25th anniversary, scheduled from October 6 to 8, 2026. Unlike many other awards programs in the tech industry, the Critical Impact Awards are based on merit and not influenced by sponsorships. An independent panel of judges, comprising cybersecurity experts such as CISOs and OT security practitioners, reviews all nominations against published criteria. The panel also provides transparency by publishing their rationale for each awardee, ensuring the integrity and credibility of the program. According to Mike Lennon, Managing Director at SecurityWeek, the awards aim to spotlight the unsung heroes who protect industrial and critical infrastructure, focusing on their tangible results rather than marketing prowess. Nominations are open to everyone, including peers, industry leaders, vendors, and journalists, with no cost to submit. The judging process relies solely on the evidence provided, making it an open and fair competition. The awards will recognize achievements in categories like Technical Excellence and Research. The deadline for nominations is set for August 31, 2026, and finalists will be notified before the conference. For more details on submitting a nomination or understanding the judging criteria, interested parties can visit the Critical Impact Awards website.