London, United Kingdom — April 27, 2026 —Jim Earl West III, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of TopCyberPro.com, has been named the 2026 Cyber Security Awards Advocate of the Year. This recognition follows a highly competitive selection process that drew submissions from over 50 countries, highlighting the most influential leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity.
West was first shortlisted as a finalist on March 16, placing him among the top innovators and thought leaders across the global cybersecurity landscape. His ultimate selection as Advocate of the Year underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing cybersecurity awareness, education, and accessibility for individuals and organizations worldwide.
A recognized leader in the cybersecurity industry, West has built a reputation for bridging the gap between technical expertise and real-world application. Through TopCyberPro.com, he has created a platform dedicated to empowering professionals at all stages of their careers with practical insights, training resources, and expert-driven content to help close the skills gap in cybersecurity.
In 2026, West expanded his impact with the launch of the Tech for Tomorrow Initiative, a forward-looking program designed to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. The initiative focuses on equitable access to cybersecurity knowledge—ensuring that graduating students from Evans High School have a clear pathway into the industry.
West is also the host of the rapidly growing TopCyberPro Podcast, where he has interviewed an impressive lineup of cybersecurity leaders, innovators, and industry disruptors. The show has become a go-to resource for actionable insights and thought leadership, amplifying diverse voices across the cybersecurity ecosystem and fostering meaningful conversations about the future of digital defense.
“Being named Advocate of the Year is an incredible honor,” said West. “Cybersecurity is not just a technical challenge—it’s a human one. My mission has always been to make cybersecurity more accessible, understandable, and approachable for everyone. This recognition reflects the collective effort of decades of outreach, dedication, and our mission to lift up the next generation and continue our mission.”
With more than 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, West brings unmatched depth and expertise, with a background spanning government, military, space, and commercial cybersecurity programs. He holds elite credentials, including CISSP-ISSEP, ISSMP, ISSAP, GCIH, GPEN, GSLC, PMP, C-CISO, and S-CISO, and is widely recognized for translating complex topics like cryptography and risk management into actionable guidance for professionals across all domains. West is a Multi-Domain Cybersecurity Expert, Author, and 2021 Cybersecurity Personality of the Year, 2024 Cyber Leader of the Year, and 2025 Cyber Excellence Award winner. Beyond his role as a speaker, he is a globally sought-after mentor and educator, having helped more than 150,000 individuals pass cybersecurity certification exams through his platform, TopCyberPro.com. His eBook, Cybersecurity and Test Tips, is ranked among the Top 100 Cybersecurity Books by BookAuthority.org.
About the Cyber Security Awards
The Cyber Security Awards have long been recognized as one of the world’s leading platforms for honoring excellence in the industry, trusted by thousands of applicants from over 30 countries and backed by an esteemed panel of international judges.
As cybersecurity continues to be a global challenge, the awards have evolved to better serve a worldwide audience. Beginning in 2025, winners are announced online, making recognition more accessible to innovators everywhere, while still offering exclusive hospitality packages for selected winners to collect their awards in person at leading partner conferences in Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Dubai, and Denmark.
With a digital reach of more than 1.6 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide, the Cyber Security Awards remain at the forefront of innovation—recognizing talent, celebrating progress, and connecting the global cybersecurity community.
Our Mission
At TopCyberPro.com, our mission is to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap to build a more secure digital world. We are committed to empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and expertise they need to defend against ever-evolving cyber threats. Through innovative training, coaching, and mentorship, we strive to cultivate a community of top-tier cybersecurity professionals who are well-equipped to protect data, networks, and systems. Our dedication to excellence, continuous learning, and collaboration drives us to be at the forefront of cybersecurity education, ensuring the world remains safe in an increasingly interconnected digital landscape.
For more information, visit: https://www.TopCyberPro.com.
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