Eskenzi PR has launched its annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards, which aim to recognize and celebrate cybersecurity professionals in the UK who go above and beyond to protect the public and make the industry more diverse and healthier.
The awards, now in their eighth year, are organized by Eskenzi PR and have key sponsors including KnowBe4, Decipher Cyber, Bora, and The Zensory. The nominations are open to individuals in various roles within the cybersecurity sector, such as educators, leaders, and mentors.
These awards not only acknowledge those who are on the frontlines fighting cybercrime and promoting cybersecurity but also recognize individuals who advocate for diversity and inclusion within the industry. Furthermore, the awards highlight the importance of mental health and wellbeing among cybersecurity professionals.
To be considered for the awards, individuals must be nominated by filling out a short form explaining why they deserve the recognition. Nominations will be accepted until 5pm on the 8th of September 2023, after which they will be reviewed by a panel of esteemed judges.
The judging panel consists of industry experts including Jenny Radcliffe, an author and people hacker; Shan Lee, CISO at DocPlanner Group; Holly Foxcroft, head of neurodiversity in cyber research and consulting at Stott & May Consulting; Yvonne Eskenzi, lead organizer and director of Eskenzi PR; Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4; and Alan Jenkins, managing partner at Decipher Cyber.
The awards ceremony will take place on the 18th of October 2023 at St Barts Brewery in London, coinciding with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. It is free to enter and attend, thanks to the generous support of the sponsors.
Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, emphasized the significance of these awards in recognizing the efforts of the cybersecurity community to educate employees and raise awareness about cyber threats. He expressed the importance of celebrating these efforts, particularly in a year that has seen a rise in ransomware attacks, phishing campaigns, and the advancement of AI.
Yvonne Eskenzi, co-founder and director at Eskenzi PR, explained that the awards aim to honor individuals who play a crucial role in keeping businesses and the public safe from cybercrime and making the cybersecurity community more inclusive. She highlighted the dedication and passion that cybersecurity professionals have in their work and the necessity of celebrating their efforts.
Alan Jenkins, Managing Partner at Decipher Cyber, expressed his support for the awards and the recognition of unsung heroes and heroines in the cybersecurity industry. He emphasized the need to encourage others to join and continue the fight against cyber threats.
Jasmine Eskenzi, Founder of The Zensory, emphasized the importance of looking after the mental health and wellbeing of cybersecurity professionals. She highlighted the relentless nature of dealing with cyber threats and the potential burnout that professionals may experience. Recognizing individuals who protect organizations from cyber threats and celebrating their achievements can serve as an example for others to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.
The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards offer several categories, including Cyber Writer, 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, and Cybersecurity Wellbeing Advocate.
For more information about the awards and to submit a nomination, visit the website at https://www.securityserious.com/unsung-heroes/. The deadline for nominations is the 8th of September 2023.