Who should enter the ‘Cloud Security Innovation of the Year’ category?

The ‘Cloud Security Innovation of the Year’ category recognizes the trailblazers who are developing groundbreaking approaches to protecting the cloud ecosystem. This award celebrates “step-change” innovations – the unique technologies, architectural shifts, or creative methodologies that redefine how organizations defend against modern cyber threats.

Submissions should demonstrate how their innovation provides a distinct advantage over traditional security models, particularly in securing emerging technologies like edge computing, serverless functions, or decentralized identities.

Entries may showcase the pioneering use of confidential computing, where data is encrypted during processing, or the application of AI-driven autonomous defense systems that can predict and neutralize multi-stage attacks without human intervention.

In addition, submissions should highlight how the innovation addresses the human and operational aspects of security, such as drastically reducing “alert fatigue” through intelligent noise suppression or automating the complex mapping of cross-cloud permissions. Judges will look for evidence of a “novel approach”—perhaps in the form of a unique patent, a revolutionary open-source contribution, or a radical simplification of the zero trust framework.

Successful entries will provide clear evidence of technical breakthrough and real-world applicability, demonstrating how the innovation has solved a specific, high-stakes security gap for early adopters.

IT technician checking the servers vitals using laptop computer

Example Use Cases

Cloud security innovations eligible for this award may either provide an outstanding broad solution, or exceptional specialized solutions in one of these areas (among others):

analysts monitor world map threat intel screens Redefining cloud defense through intelligent, adaptive security systems. Innovative cloud security solutions leverage machine learning and behavioral analytics to identify emerging threats, prioritize risk, and initiate automated response in real time.

Typical use cases:

  • AI-powered anomaly detection across cloud workloads
  • Predictive threat modelling and risk scoring
  • Autonomous incident containment and remediation
  • Behavior-based user and entity analytics (UEBA)
  • Adaptive security policy enforcement

Some examples of results from this application:

  • Faster identification of previously unknown threats
  • Reduced manual intervention in incident response
  • Lower mean time to detect (MTTD) and respond (MTTR)
  • Measurable reduction in breach impact or dwell time

Programmers Developing Cybersecurity Software Advancing modern security frameworks through dynamic, identity-first access models. Innovative solutions implement granular verification and micro-segmentation across distributed cloud environments.

Typical use cases:

  • Context-aware, risk-based authentication
  • Continuous access validation
  • Micro-segmentation of applications and workloads
  • Device posture-based access control
  • Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) innovation

Some examples of results from this application:

  • Reduced lateral threat movement
  • Improved protection of high-value assets
  • Enhanced visibility into user and device behavior
  • Stronger enforcement of least-privilege access principles

software developerdigital technology security concept Unifying security across development and runtime environments. Innovative CNAPP solutions integrate workload protection, posture management, and vulnerability scanning into a single cloud-native framework.

Typical use cases:

  • Infrastructure-as-Code security scanning
  • Container and Kubernetes runtime protection
  • Continuous compliance monitoring
  • DevSecOps pipeline integration
  • Unified risk prioritiation dashboards

Some examples of results from this application:

  • Reduced vulnerabilities reaching production
  • Improved collaboration between development and security teams
  • Faster remediation of misconfigurations
  • Clear visibility across cloud-native application risk

Scanning ID card business professional entering office building with shoulder bag Introducing advanced methods to protect sensitive data in cloud environments. Innovative solutions incorporate encryption-in-use, confidential computing, and advanced data governance capabilities.

Typical use cases:

  • Confidential computing for secure data processing
  • Privacy-preserving analytics
  • Automated data classification and tagging
  • Encryption key lifecycle innovation
  • Cross-cloud data sovereignty controls

Some examples of results from this application:

  • Improved protection of sensitive and regulated data
  • Enhanced compliance with evolving privacy regulations
  • Reduced exposure to insider or third-party risk
  • Greater customer and stakeholder trust

Software Programmer Working Moving beyond reactive security to autonomous protection models. Innovative cloud security platforms embed automated detection, remediation, and policy enforcement to reduce operational burden and increase resilience.

Typical use cases:

  • Policy-as-Code security enforcement
  • Automated misconfiguration correction
  • Self-healing security controls
  • Threat containment playbook automation
  • Continuous security posture validation

Some examples of results from this application:

  • Reduced human error in security configuration
  • Faster containment of vulnerabilities
  • Improved overall security posture maturity
  • Increased operational efficiency in security teams

Hall of Fame: Previous Winners

Blumira Logo

Blumira stood out for delivering security innovation that is genuinely accessible for SMB organizations. Its platform helps smaller teams detect and respond to threats quickly without needing enterprise sized security resources. The judges were impressed by the balance of usability, automation, and real world effectiveness. This made Blumira a clear winner at The Cloud Awards.”

The Cloud Awards COO, Annabelle Whittall

Security Innovation of the Year (SMB) 2025/26, Blumira
Aviatrix Logo

Aviatrix impressed the judges with a security innovation that addresses the core complexity of cloud networking across multi cloud environments. Its Cloud Native Security Fabric delivers visibility, control, and policy enforcement where enterprises need it most. The solution demonstrates strong technical depth and practical impact at scale. This made Aviatrix a clear winner at The Cloud Awards.”

The Cloud Awards COO, Annabelle Whittall

Security Innovation of the Year (Enterprise) 2025/26, Aviatrix
Darktrace Logo

Darktrace emerges as the most innovative solution in its field due to its ground-breaking AI-driven features, real-time multi-cloud threat detection, and autonomous response capabilities. The Judging team at The Cloud Awards were most impressed by how Darktrace leverages self-learning AI to deliver real-time threat detection and autonomous response across multi-cloud environments. Its advanced capabilities minimize deployment complexity while ensuring robust enterprise protection. Congratulations, Darktrace!”

Judge, Manju Krishnappa

Security Innovation of the Year (Enterprise) 2024/25, Darktrace

Areas to Highlight in Your Submission

Judges score nominations across these five key areas:

  • Innovation: The features or technology that makes your cloud security innovation unique - or transformed your market.

  • Impact: Evidence of the positive effect your cloud security innovation has brought to your customers.

  • Scalability: How your solution grows or adapts to changing business needs, without significant upgrades or overhauls.

  • User Experience: How intuitive your cloud security innovation is to use for users of varying roles or skill levels.

  • Relevance: What makes your solution a worthy winner in this particular category.

Although not formally scored, focus on these areas specific to this category, can help your nomination stand out:

Security Posture

Detail on the features or technology that improves the user's overall security posture.

Future-Proofing

The innovation’s potential to remain relevant and effective in the face of evolving threats and technological advancements.

Integration

Assessing the availability of APIs, connectors, and compatibility with popular cloud providers and other cloud services.

More Cloud Awards Categories

Next Steps to Enter The Cloud Awards

To enter this Cloud Awards category, or any other category in The Cloud Awards, please follow these three simple steps:

  • Download the entry form. Open up the ‘Cloud Awards Simple Form’ document.
  • Complete your form. You only need to complete the form once, even if entering multiple Cloud Awards categories.
  • Submit your entry. Head to the ‘Submit Now’ section on our website, select ‘The Cloud Awards’ and the category/categories you are entering from the list, upload your form and any other materials you would like the judges to review, and process your fees.

Since 2011, The Cloud Awards been helping organizations across the globe gain the recognition they deserve for market-leading innovation in the cloud computing and software sectors.

For a detailed breakdown of all the benefits you receive as an awards entrant as either a shortlistee, finalist or ultimate winner, please see our “Why Enter?” page. The many benefits are replicated across all international awards programs. If you have any questions about this category, please contact us.