The Alan Paller Laureate Program has opened its 2026 cybersecurity grants cycle with awards up to $250,000. The initiative supports cyber defense innovation nationwide. The program continues to honor Alan Paller’s legacy in cybersecurity leadership. CIS launched the fourth year of the Alan Paller Laureate Program to recognize practical cybersecurity innovation and measurable cyber defense solutions.
The initiative offers grants of up to $250,000 to U.S.-based nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and individuals. Applicants must focus on real-world cybersecurity improvements. The program reflects Alan Paller’s lifelong commitment to cybersecurity workforce development and cyber education. He co-founded CIS and the SANS Institute. He also championed national cyber resilience and advanced technical cyber training programs.
Cybersecurity Innovation and Workforce Development Goals
The Alan Paller Laureate Program supports projects that simplify security controls, strengthen cyber defense, and improve cybersecurity education. CIS actively seeks initiatives that make security controls easier to implement. In addition, the program promotes expansion of the cybersecurity talent pipeline. As a result, the initiative strengthens critical infrastructure protection and information security across industries.
“Alan saw early, the need for highly qualified, highly technical people to really engage in the cyber fight,” said Tony Sager, CIS’s Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist. “His gift was to find good people doing good things, connect them with others and give them the resources to turn them into great people doing great things.”
Grant Impact on Critical Infrastructure Security
The 2025 grant cycle delivered a significant impact on critical infrastructure cybersecurity. Last year, the program awarded funding to Purdue University’s Cyber Technical Assistance Program (cyberTAP). The program delivered targeted cybersecurity services to rural electric cooperatives and underserved infrastructure providers. The initiative also focused on strengthening energy grid security. Consequently, it improved operational resilience for critical infrastructure operators.
“This funding empowers us to develop and deliver targeted cybersecurity services that strengthen America’s energy grid,” said George Bailey, Director of Purdue cyberTAP.
Applications for the 2026 cybersecurity grants cycle remain open until March 31, 2026. CIS will select finalists during the spring. The organization will announce grant recipients in June. Ultimately, the Alan Paller Laureate Program continues driving cybersecurity innovation, workforce development, and cyber education across the United States.
For related updates on digital trust and cybersecurity, explore our SOC News.
Source: EINPresswire
