Thank you to everyone who attended the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards 2022, whether virtually or in-person! Stay tuned for more information on our 2023 awards night!
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Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards
12th October 2022
Now in its seventh year, the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards recognises the UK’s “Unsung Heroes in Cybersecurity”.
Have you, a friend or a colleague gone above the call of duty when it comes to protecting your organisation from cyber threats? Then come apply and get the recognition you or they deserve! This is your chance to shine with a winning trophy that recognises all the hard work and dedication that goes into being a true cybersecurity professional.
#UnsungSecHeroes2022
Nominations are now closed!
CYBER WRITER
This award will go to the IT security writer who is completely on the ball and understands cybersecurity, demonstrating this through thought-provoking, well- written articles and interviews that help educate and inform his/her audience.
- Luke Irwin, IT Governance
- Alex Scroxton, Computer Weekly
- Karis Bouher, PGI
- Claudia Glover, Tech Monitor
- James Coker, Infosecurity Magazine (WINNER)
GODFATHER/ GODMOTHER OF SECURITY
This award will go to someone who has been around the block and back and contributed greatly to the IT Security industry for more than 25 years.
- Ed Tucker, Lionfish (WINNER)
- Dominic Grunden, Union Digital Bank
- Frank Satterwhite, 1600 Cyber
- Mark Oakton, Infosec Partners
- Mike Gillespie, Advent IM
- Adam McElroy, KPMG
- Professor Danny Dresner, Manchester University
DATA GUARDIAN
Data has quickly become one of the most sought-after commodities. This award goes to the person who is always looking out for the interests of the everyday individual; making sure that customer and employee data are protected from prying eyes and their privacy is preserved.
- Bev Allen, Quilter (WINNER)
- Carl Gottlieb, Hudl & Duolingo
- James Gosnold, The Workshop
CISO SUPREMO
CISOs play an important role in securing all aspects of the business and implementing programmes that increase the security posture of an organisation. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it – this award will recognise the best.
- Ed Tucker, Lionfish
- Dominic Grunden, Union Digital Bank
- Christian Toon, Pinsent Masons (WINNER)
- Carole Embling, Metro Bank
- Becky Pinkard, Vodafone
- Jots Sehmbi, University of Exeter
SECURITY AVENGERS
Security is not a one person job, this award will recognise the best IT security team and how they averted a security disaster or persevere in the fight to keep their organisations safe from cyber threats.
- Cyber 2.0 Team
- Security Tribe, Union Digital Bank
- Security Engineering Team at the Workshop Ltd
- FullFact.org (WINNER)
BEST EDUCATOR
This award will go to a professor, lecturer or teacher who leads by example to inspire and motivate the next generation of cyber security professionals.
- Dr Steve Mvalo, Sheffield Hallam University
- Bennett Arron, comedian/presenter
- Lisa Short, Professor and guest lecturer
- Professor Danny Dresner, Manchester University (WINNER)
- Professor Alison Wakefield, University of West London
- Jan Carroll, UCD Professional Academy
BEST ETHICAL HACKER/PEN TESTER
This award will go to the person who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses in security systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner.
- Jon Medvenics, The Workshop
- Kevin Williams, Cargotec
- Glenn Pegden, Sky Betting and Gaming (WINNER)
- Mike Varley, Adarma
SECURITY LEADER/
MENTOR
The winner of this award will be someone in industry who leads a team or mentors individuals, taking the time to show them the ropes and ensure those coming through the ranks are prepared for the future.
- Stuart Coulson, Lionfish
- Matt Summers, Philip Morris International
- Alan Freeland, DigitalXRAID
- Joe Boyle, Salt Communications
- Richard Rigonan, Union Digital Bank
- Mo Amin, The Workshop (Highly Commended)
- Paula Page, CCL Solutions
- Andrew Barratt, Coalfire
- Lisa Ventura, Cyber Security Unity
- Lemuel Valdez, KPMG
- Devon DeFreitas, Beazley Group
- Alan Jenkins, Decipher Cyber Consulting Partners (WINNER)
DIVERSITY CHAMPION *NEW*
This award will recognise an individual who is pushing for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry – whether they’re advocating for change in recruitment/HR policies, mentoring others, serving as a role model etc.
- Holly Foxcroft, Stott and May Consulting (WINNER)
- Sydonie Williams, Beazley
- Tamzin Greenfield, Cyber Security Associates
- Lemuel Valdez, KPMG
- Jots Sehmbi, University of Exeter
- Anne Woodley, Microsoft
- Conor Coughlan, Armis
- Anah Ahee, KPMG
BEST SECURITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
In order to increase education on cyber threats and digital behaviours within the workplace, Security Awareness campaigns are often a vital part of getting the message out. This award will honour the campaign and the individuals who organised the campaign.
- Helen Williams, Bupa (WINNER)
- Bennett Arron
- Ian Murphy, CyberOff
- Gema Perez-Cortes, Canon Europe
- Graham Day, Surf Safer Online
- FullFact.org
- Christine Gordon Bennett, Nedbank
CYBERSECURITY WELLBEING ADVOCATE
Cybersecurity can be a stressful industry to work in. In fact, as many as 45% of senior cybersecurity professionals have considered quitting as a result. This award goes to the individual who makes every effort to look after the mental health and general wellbeing of their peers/colleagues.
- Zoe Rose, Canon Europe
- Eoin Hinchy, Tines (Highly Commended)
- Christine Gordon Bennett, Nedbank (WINNER)
- Marilise de Villiers Basson, ROAR
- Marissa Goulding, KPMG
- Chloé Messdaghi, Cybrary
APPRENTICE/
RISING STAR
Our future cyber welfare depends largely on these rising stars. Whether in formal education, under employment or doing extraordinary research of their own, the winner of this category will show great promise with his/her technical or practical ability.
- Alice Conibere, Secure Impact
- Patricia de Villa, Union Digital Bank
- Ewa Kapica, The Connection at St Martin’s (WINNER)
- Claudia Whiteside, The Workshop
- Laura Kairaityte, The Workshop
- Liam Follin, Pentest People
- Tamzin Greenfield, Cyber Security Associates
- Rae Baker, OSINT analyst
- Anne-Marie O’Donnell, BH Consulting
- Lemuel Valdez, KPMG (Highly Commended)
- Phoebe Goddard, KPMG
- Seònaid Lafferty, University of Manchester
Unsung Heroes Awards 2021 - WINNERS
- Apprentice/ Rising Star – Jenny Codes; Daniel Dodds (Highly Commended)
- Best Educator – Jackie Riley, Lorna Armitage & Andrea Cullen (Highly Commended)
- Best Ethical Hacker/Pen Tester – Dale Pavey & Guy Morley
- Best Security Awareness Campaign – RansomAware, Talion
- Data Guardian – Emily Overton
- Security Avengers – CyberNews Research Team; Sainsbury’s (Highly Commended)
- Cyber Writer – Andy Gill
- Security Leader/Mentor – Marilise de Villier
- CISO Supremo – Alison Dyer
- Godparent of Security – Colonel John Doody
Gallery
A glance at the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards
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