Eskenzi PR Opens Nominations for Tenth Annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards
Eskenzi PR, a renowned agency specializing in cybersecurity public relations, has launched nominations for its landmark tenth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. This initiative shines a spotlight on the extraordinary cybersecurity professionals in the UK who diligently work to enhance the security landscape while fostering diversity and knowledge within the industry. As part of its commitment, Eskenzi PR has collaborated with notable sponsors including CultureAI, OneAdvanced, and The Zensory, as well as institutions such as Computer Weekly, Information Security Buzz, and IT Security Guru to elevate the stature of these awards.
The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards aim to recognize the often-overlooked heroes of cybersecurity—individuals who strive to create a safer digital environment without the acclaim they deserve. The awards celebrate a wide range of contributions, from educators who are nurturing the next generation of cyber talent to professionals tackling cybercrime, and mentors who guide others in an often-intimidating field. New categories introduced this year will also honor those making strides in inclusion as Diversity Champions and those prioritizing mental health as Cybersecurity Wellbeing Advocates.
In a notable first for the awards, three brand-new categories have been added for the 2026 ceremony. The Cyber Scribe category will celebrate the industry’s most insightful blogs and newsletters, published across platforms like Medium and LinkedIn. Meanwhile, the Voice of Security category will recognize excellence in cybersecurity podcasts and vodcasts, highlighting those who communicate vital information to a broader audience. Lastly, the Channel Champion category will commend remarkable contributors in the distribution and reseller sector, applauding vendors who maintain a robust channel presence.
The nomination process is designed to be straightforward, requiring participants to complete a brief form that outlines the qualifications of the nominee. The window for submissions will remain open until 5 PM on September 16, 2026, ensuring ample opportunity for individuals to submit names for consideration. After the nomination period closes, a panel of judges, which will soon be announced, will review the nominees and select the award recipients.
Notably, entries for the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards are free to submit and attend. The awards ceremony is scheduled to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and a celebratory evening will take place in London in October. Specific details regarding the venue and date will be revealed in due course.
Sam Soares, Chief Revenue Officer at CultureAI, expressed pride in supporting these awards, emphasizing the essential role that cybersecurity professionals play in safeguarding organizations amid evolving threats and complex technological landscapes. He remarked, “As AI adoption outpaces governance, these teams are absorbing an entirely new category of risk alongside everything they already carry. Recognizing that work is long overdue, we’re pleased to play a part in it.”
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder and Director at Eskenzi PR, shared her thoughts on the impact of the initiative over the past decade. She stated, “As we celebrate the 10th year of the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards, I’m incredibly proud of what these awards have come to represent. Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of recognizing hundreds of remarkable people whose dedication, kindness, and expertise have helped make our industry stronger, safer, and more inclusive.”
Eskenzi also encouraged the wider cybersecurity community to participate actively in the nominations, urging individuals to acknowledge the hard work and achievements of colleagues, mentors, and peers. “Their contribution matters, and together we can make sure their accomplishments are celebrated as part of this very special milestone year,” she concluded.
In addition to the new categories, the awards will continue to include established ones, such as Cyber Correspondent, Godparent of Security, Data Guardian, CISO Supremo, Security Avengers (Best Team), Best Educator, Best Ethical Hacker/Pentester, Rising Star, Security Mentor, Best Security Awareness Campaign, and more. This diverse range of categories underscores the extensive network of professionals who contribute to making cybersecurity a safer and more inclusive domain.
For anyone interested in participating, more information and nomination forms can be accessed through Eskenzi PR’s official website. The security community is urged to engage with this important event, underscoring the pivotal role that unsung heroes play in nurturing a robust cybersecurity environment.