The sixth annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards winners were revealed last night in a celebration at St Bart’s Brewery in London. The annual awards celebrate the people, not products, of the cyber security industry. From the best ethical hackers, rising stars and educators to the best security awareness campaign, security team and the coveted Godparent of security, the categories recognised individuals and teams going above and beyond to protect Britain from cybercrime and raise awareness of security issues.
The free event was the first chance for the UK security industry to come together physically post-pandemic, catch up with familiar faces and meet new ones while enjoying a short awards ceremony compered by Bennett Arron, award-winning screenwriter, author, comedian, actor and worldwide speaker on fraud and identity theft, who added a sense of humour to the event. The winners were branded with titles like Cyber Writer, Data Guardian and Security Leader/Mentor and were awarded substantial trophies they can display proudly at home or at work.
Winner of the Godfather of Security prize, Colonel John Doody, said: “I am emotionally overwhelmed and humbled to be selected for this prestigious award. I am in my 63rd year in the profession including my total commitment to the national cybersecurity posture and will continue to serve the nation as long as I am able. Cybersecurity is the biggest growth profession in the UK and I am so privileged to be recognised for my dedicated evangelism on the subject.”
The Unsung Heroes Awards, started by Eskenzi PR, Smile on Fridays and the IT Security Guru, are supported by sponsors KnowBe4, Protiviti, Intaso and Procordr, who all made it possible to hold this totally free event.
“Cybersecurity and the people within this industry are often not given the recognition and appreciation they deserve,” said lead organiser of Security Serious Week and co-founder of Eskenzi PR, Yvonne Eskenzi. “By hosting this event, we are shining a light on all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to protect organisations from the threat of cybercrime. Thanks to our fantastic sponsors, we were able to host an amazing party at no charge to our attendees and acknowledge all the incredible and talented people in this industry!”
The full list of winners are:
Cyber Writer
Andy Gill
Best Security Awareness Campaign
Talion RansomAware
Data Guardian
Emily Overton
Best Educator
Winner: Jackie Riley
Highly Commended: Lorna Armitage and Andrea Cullen, CAPSLOCK
Godfather/Godmother of Security
Colonel John Doody
Best Ethical Hacker / Pentester
Dale Pavey and Guy Morley from NCC Group
Apprentice/Rising Star
Winner: Jenny Codes
Highly Commended: Daniel Dodds
Security Leader/Mentor
Marilise de Villiers
Security Avengers
Winner: CyberNews Research Team
Highly Commended: Sainsbury’s
CISO Supremo
Alison Dyer
