06.11.2026 | 6 Images

G DATA Study2Protect Award 2026: Alexander Neff honoured for best thesis in cybersecurity

Early-career researchers present their theses to an expert jury and an audience in Bochum
Alexander Neff wins the G DATA Study2Protect Award 2026 © G DATA CyberDefense AG

Andreas Lüning, co-founder and member of the Management Board of G DATA CyberDefense AG., and Alexander Neff, winner of the G DATA Study2Protect Award 2026

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Alexander Neff is the winner of the G DATA Study2Protect Award 2026. The award was presented for the third time at the G DATA Campus in Bochum on 4 November 2026. It recognises outstanding bachelor’s and master’s theses in cybersecurity, cyber defence and cyber resilience from universities in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The award comes with prize money of €1,000.

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Alexander Neff from Ruhr University Bochum impressed the jury with his master’s thesis, “Analyzing the Security of the Netlogon Remote Protocol”, at the third G DATA Study2Protect Award in Bochum. Five finalists presented their research at the G DATA Campus to around 120 guests and an independent, five-member expert jury representing academia, industry, public authorities and professional associations. The theses were assessed on their scientific excellence and practical relevance.

“Great ideas often emerge when young people challenge established thinking and explore new approaches. These are exactly the talents we need in cybersecurity. With the Study2Protect Award, we want to give their research greater visibility and open doors for them in the industry. This year’s entries clearly demonstrate the skills, curiosity and fresh thinking that the next generation brings. That gives us confidence in the future of cybersecurity,” says Andreas Lüning, co-founder and member of the Management Board of G DATA CyberDefense AG.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Ron Kneffel, Chairman of the Board of the CISO Alliance. Under the title “Leading in the Dark: Building a Resilient Security Culture in the Age of AI and Beyond”, he explored how clear leadership and a security culture that embraces continuous learning can help organisations become more resilient in uncertain times. Following the award ceremony, guests had the opportunity to exchange ideas and network over dinner.

About the G DATA Study2Protect Award

The Study2Protect Award, which comes with prize money of around €1,000, was presented at the G DATA Campus for the third time this year. G DATA CyberDefense AG established the award to recognise outstanding bachelor’s and master’s theses in IT security, cyber defence and resilience in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The award underlines G DATA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of cybersecurity professionals and helping them build professional networks.

G DATA CyberDefense AG is a leading German company in the field of IT security. Since 1985, the company based in Bochum has stood for digital security “Made in Germany”.

More than 500 experts protect businesses, public authorities, and private users every day with modular solutions that seamlessly combine software and services:

  • Managed Extended Detection and Response (MXDR)
  • Endpoint Security for Businesses
  • Security Awareness Training
  • IT security services such as penetration testing, incident response, and forensic analysis

Transparency, data protection, and digital sovereignty are the cornerstones of the company’s security strategy. For this reason, G DATA develops and operates its solutions in Germany. With its no-backdoor guarantee and ISO 27001 certification, the company helps businesses and organizations meet regulatory requirements. In doing so, G DATA lays the foundation for CyberVertrauen and a secure, resilient future.

G DATA. Trust in German Sicherheit.

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Alexander Neff wins the G DATA Study2Protect Award 2026
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G DATA Study2Protect award 2026 trophy
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Alexander Neffs thesis
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G DATA Campus eventhall
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GDATA_Study2Protect_Award_2026_jury_finalists
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GDATA_Study2Protect_Award_2026_jury
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Contact

(1) Vera Haake
Vera Haake
Leitung Unternehmenskommunikation / Head of Corporate Communications

+49 234 9762 - 376
vera.haake@gdata.de