SOFTSWISS Group: CSO wins Top Global CISOs 2026 award
Evgeny Zaretskov, Chief Information Security Officer of the SOFTSWISS Group, has been named the winner of the Top Global CISOs 2026 award , promoted annually by Cyber Defense Magazine. This award represents the second international recognition for the cybersecurity expert this year, following his inclusion in the HotTopics Global CISO 100 of 2026.
Evgeny Zaretskov was selected from thousands of candidates worldwide. The judges recognized the SOFTSWISS CISO's ability to translate complex risks to senior leadership, prevent data breaches and losses, meet regulatory requirements, and develop risk programs with measurable impact.
The award is part of the 14th annual Cyber Defense Awards, from Cyber Defense Magazine, which recognizes CISOs as first responders in cyberspace. These leaders defend organizations against cybercriminals, cyberterrorists, malicious insiders, and state-sponsored attacks, while managing the risks and compliance requirements that enable business growth.
“We are pleased to name Evgeny Zaretskov as a winner among a small and select group of information security professionals in the Top Global CISOs Awards 2026, celebrating with them and announcing the winners at CyberDefenseCon 2026 on October 20,” commented Gary Miliefsky, editor of Cyber Defense Magazine.
At SOFTSWISS, Evgeny Zaretskov leads the global cybersecurity strategy in a technology ecosystem that serves more than 1.500 brands worldwide. For the company, security is an essential part of reliability. It underpins business continuity, operational resilience, and the long-term trust of partners. These are the core values of SOFTSWISS's new positioning as a strategic partner for operators in regulated markets.
“In addition to protecting systems against threats, cybersecurity creates the conditions for companies to operate with confidence, innovate, and grow. At iGaming, reliability begins with security. This recognition reflects our teams' commitment to building a secure and resilient technological environment that our partners can trust,” highlighted Evgeny Zaretskov, Chief Information Security Officer of the SOFTSWISS Group.
As iGaming becomes more complex and interconnected, security is no longer just a technical requirement, but a strategic foundation for sustainable growth. The iGaming Trends 2027 report reflects this shift. It shows how compliance is being incorporated into product architecture and how reliability increasingly defines the choice of technology partner. The report is available for free download.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is a strategic technology partner for iGaming operators, enabling them to build and scale successful online casino and sports betting businesses in regulated markets worldwide. Since 2009, the company has helped operators navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional environments by bringing together enterprise-grade technology, regulatory expertise, and strategic guidance into a single integrated ecosystem designed to support every stage of their evolution.
Currently, SOFTSWISS serves over 1.500 brands and has more than 2.200 professionals in various international locations. Combining resilient infrastructure, deep industry knowledge, and expert-driven services, the company gives operators the confidence to enter new jurisdictions while maintaining compliance and sustaining long-term growth.
About the Cyber Defense Awards
This is the 14th year that Cyber Defense Magazine has honored cybersecurity innovators through its Cyber Defense Awards platform—in this case, the Top Global CISOs of 2026. The judges for this and other prestigious awards include veterans, pioneers, and market shapers in the cybersecurity industry: Gary Miliefsky of CDMG; Dr. Lindsey Polley de Lopez of VentureScope; Katie Gray of In-Q-Tel; Robert R. Ackerman Jr. of Allegis Cyber; Ron Gula, president of Gula Tech Adventures; Ira Winkler of CruiseCon; and Dino Boukouris of AltitudeCyber. The organization also thanks emeritus judges Robert Herjavec of Cyderes; Dr. Peter Stephenson of CDMG; and David DeWalt of NightDragon. Visit us online.
About Cyber Defense Magazine
Cyber Defense Magazine was founded in 2012 by Gary S. Miliefsky, a world-renowned thought leader, inventor, and entrepreneur in cybersecurity, and remains a leading source of information on IT security. We are run and published by and for ethical, honest, and passionate information security professionals. Our mission is to share cutting-edge knowledge, real-world stories, and awards on the best ideas, products, and services in the information technology industry. We publish free e-magazines every month and limited special editions exclusive to the RSAC, BlackHat, and Cyber Defense conferences. Learn more . Cyber Defense Magazine is proud to be part of the Cyber Defense Media Group.
