The annual event eagerly anticipated by many in the cybersecurity sector is upon us once again. Eskenzi PR, a global public relations firm specializing in cybersecurity, has officially announced the commencement of nominations for the tenth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. These awards are dedicated to honoring the remarkable contributions of cybersecurity professionals across the UK, who not only enhance the security of their organizations but also work to cultivate diversity, promote better mental health, and ensure that individuals are well-informed on current cybersecurity issues.
The significance of these awards lies in their ability to recognize those individuals who, while often operating in the background, play vital roles in the cybersecurity landscape. This recognition extends to educators who are nurturing the next generation of cyber talent, professionals tackling cybercrime directly, and mentors committed to guiding newcomers in the field. The categories highlight the tireless efforts of those working towards inclusivity in cybersecurity through the Diversity Champion title and those championing wellness in the workplace, acknowledged under the Cybersecurity Wellbeing Advocate category.
In a bid to further enrich the awards, three new categories have been introduced for the 2026 edition:
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Cyber Scribe: This category is designed to celebrate the most insightful blogs and newsletters within the cybersecurity sector. It encompasses content shared across platforms like Medium, Substack, and LinkedIn, recognizing the importance of clear and engaging communication in the industry.
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Voice of Security: This category shines a light on the best podcasts and vodcasts that contribute to public discourse surrounding cybersecurity. These audio-visual media formats are increasingly important in disseminating information and educating the wider community.
- Channel Champion: This category seeks to honor the unsung heroes operating within the distribution and reseller sectors, as well as vendors that demonstrate a strong channel presence, acknowledging their crucial contributions to the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The nomination process for this year is open and requires participants to fill out a brief form detailing the qualifications and achievements of the individuals they wish to nominate, emphasizing why they believe each nominee deserves recognition. Nominations will remain open until 5 pm on September 16, 2026, after which a distinguished panel of judges—a group to be announced soon—will evaluate the applications.
After the nomination period concludes, nominees, nominators, and their guests will be invited to a celebratory event set to take place in London. This event will coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, and thanks to the support of generous sponsors—including CultureAI, OneAdvanced, and The Zensory—the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards are both free to enter and attend.
Sam Soares, the Chief Revenue Officer at CultureAI, expressed his pride in supporting the tenth installment of the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. He noted the importance of recognizing those cybersecurity professionals working diligently to protect their organizations. As the technological landscape continues to evolve, with AI adoption outpacing governance structures, these professionals are tackling new risks alongside existing challenges. "Recognizing that work is long overdue, and we’re pleased to play a part in it," Soares remarked.
Reflecting on the significance of the awards, Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder and Director at Eskenzi PR, shared her pride in what the awards have come to represent over the past decade. She highlighted the privilege of acknowledging hundreds of extraordinary individuals whose dedication and expertise have contributed to making the cybersecurity industry safer, more robust, and more inclusive. Eskenzi encouraged everyone in the cybersecurity community to take a moment to nominate a deserving colleague, mentor, or friend, underscoring that every contribution matters.
This year, the awards will encompass an array of categories, celebrating excellence in various aspects of cybersecurity. The categories include:
- Cyber Correspondent (for cyber journalists, broadcasters, and writers)
- 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
- Diversity Champion
- Cybersecurity Wellbeing Advocate
- Cyber Scribe (for blogs/newsletters)
- Voice of Security (for podcasts/vodcasts)
- Channel Champion
For those interested in making nominations or seeking additional information about the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards, details can be found here.
As the awards approach, the anticipation builds not only for those being recognized but also for the broader cybersecurity community, eager to celebrate the outstanding contributions that often go unnoticed in the industry. For a glimpse at previous winners, please click here.
In summary, this tenth iteration of the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards promises to be an important milestone, celebrating the unsung heroes of cybersecurity while reinforcing the industry’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and well-being.