London, UK – 18th September 2026 – Eskenzi PR, a prominent cybersecurity public relations agency, has announced the exciting news that Filigran, a leading European open-source threat management company, has signed on as a sponsor for this year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. Filigran joins the ranks of other notable sponsors, including CultureAI, OneAdvanced, and The Zensory, showcasing a significant commitment to recognizing unsung heroes in cybersecurity. This collaboration ensures that the awards remain accessible, as both entry and attendance will be free of charge, distinguishing them from other industry awards that typically require payment.
The event takes on special significance this year with the support of several media and industry partners. Computer Weekly, Information Security Buzz, and IT Security Guru are joining as media allies, while industry partners such as Pulse Conferences and the recently onboarded CyberASAP bring additional support. CyberASAP, which stands for Cyber Security Academic Start-Up Accelerator Programme, is a government-funded initiative facilitated by the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and Innovate UK. This year marks a decade since CyberASAP was launched, and the initiative has been instrumental in helping over 45 cyber-focused companies achieve significant success, including raising £75 million in follow-on investments.
In an exciting development, CyberASAP will introduce a new award category this year: the Best Academic Entrepreneur. This accolade is designed to honor academics who take innovative ideas out of the research realm and transform them into successful business ventures. Emma Fadlon and Robin Kennedy, the Co-Directors of CyberASAP, expressed their enthusiasm for this new category, emphasizing the importance of highlighting the role of academics in fostering a vibrant cyber innovation ecosystem.
Filigran’s involvement as a sponsor underscores their mission to empower security teams in effectively managing cyber threats. The company’s extended threat management (XTM) platform enables organizations to sift through the overwhelming noise of cyber threats and focus on what truly matters—validating their defenses continuously. Cindy Valladeres, the Head of Brand, Community, and Communications at Filigran, articulated the company’s pride in supporting the awards, highlighting the valuable contributions of individuals who work diligently in the cybersecurity domain every day.
The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards aim to shine a light on remarkable professionals within the UK’s cybersecurity community. These awards recognize individuals who may not always receive the acknowledgment they deserve but have made significant contributions to the field. From frontline defenders to innovative leaders, and educators nurturing the next generation of talent, the awards celebrate a diverse range of champions. Notably, they extend their recognition beyond just technical prowess; they acknowledge those advocating for diversity and employee wellbeing in the industry, seeking to elevate the entire cybersecurity sector.
As part of the celebrations, nominees, nominators, and their guests will gather for a special evening on the 20th of October 2026 at St Barts Brewery in London. This date coincides with Cybersecurity Awareness Month, adding a layer of significance to the event. Clive Room, Director at Pulse Conferences, will co-host the evening alongside Yvonne Eskenzi, ensuring a memorable experience for all attendees.
The nomination process is now open, allowing individuals to fill out a brief form detailing why their nominee deserves recognition. Nominations will close at 5 pm on the 23rd of September 2026, after which an esteemed panel of judges will evaluate the submissions. The judging panel consists of respected figures from across the cybersecurity landscape, including Yvonne Eskenzi, Alex Scroxton, Sam Soares, Joe Pettit, Emma Fadlon, and several others, ensuring a fair and thorough selection process.
Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder and Director of Eskenzi PR, emphasized the significance of recognizing the individuals driving innovation and defense within the cybersecurity landscape. She noted that while attention is often directed toward emerging threats and technological advancements, the unwavering efforts of committed professionals can be overlooked. The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards offer a platform to celebrate the dedication, expertise, and passion that fuel the cybersecurity community.
This year’s awards encompass an impressive array of categories, including Cyber Correspondent (for journalists and writers), Godparent of Security, Data Guardian, CISO Supremo, Security Avengers – Best Team, Best Educator, Best Ethical Hacker/Pentester, and many more. Notably, the introduction of the Best Academic Entrepreneur category reflects evolving trends and aims to inspire future leaders in the field.
For further information about the awards and how to nominate, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official website, where a detailed overview of the nomination process and award categories is provided. This event promises to be a celebration of achievement, collaboration, and recognition in the ever-important cybersecurity sector, engaging all stakeholders and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.