Vaduz, Liechtenstein – In an achievement that boosts the presence of Arab female talent, Tunisian Dr. Nihal Ben Youssef has been awarded the “Cybersecurity Woman of the Year 2026” award in the “Voluntary Work” category. This high honor was presented by the “United Cybersecurity Alliance” during an international ceremony held in Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, attended by top experts and decision-makers in the global technology and digital security sector.
Intense Competition to Reach the Podium
The path to this title was not easy; the 2026 edition saw fierce competition, attracting about 5,000 candidates from nearly 70 countries worldwide. The candidates underwent rigorous evaluations by an international jury of experts, based on high professional and technical standards. Ben Youssef successfully reached the final shortlist of three, competing against two candidates from the United States before securing the top spot in the voluntary work category.
International Recognition for Digital Initiatives and Cyber Awareness
The “United Cybersecurity Alliance” award is one of the most prominent honors recognizing women for their exceptional contributions to cybersecurity and technology. Dr. Nihal Ben Youssef’s win recognizes her outstanding contributions to spreading cybersecurity awareness and supporting digital initiatives to enhance digital security, both nationally in Tunisia and internationally. The organizing committee praised the volunteer projects led by Ben Youssef, which directly helped bridge digital knowledge gaps and protect vulnerable groups, calling her work an inspiring model for creating a safe digital environment.
Wide Acclaim in Tunisia
This achievement has received significant official and media attention in Tunisia, with the official Tunisian News Agency highlighting the win as a culmination of Ben Youssef’s distinguished academic and professional career. This recognition is considered a strong impetus for Tunisian and Arab women to enter advanced technology fields, confirming the ability of young talent to make a global impact in sensitive sectors like cybersecurity. The ceremony featured speeches praising the role of women in shaping the future of secure technologies, emphasizing that global cyber challenges require international cooperation
