It has been announced that Check Point Software has joined as a sponsor for this year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. Check Point joins KnowBe4, Hornetsecurity, ThinkCyber, Pulse Conferences and The Zensory as key sponsors of this year’s event. The awards are also supported by Computer Weekly, Security On Screen and the IT Security Guru.
The Security Serious Unsung Heroes highlight the exceptional talent within the UK’s cybersecurity community, recognising professionals who excel in their field, often without recognition. From frontline defenders and innovative leaders to educators nurturing future talent, these awards celebrate those making a difference. The focus extends beyond technical expertise, honouring individuals championing diversity and promoting employee wellbeing within the industry. By recognising these contributions, the awards aim to elevate the cybersecurity sector and inspire future achievements.
“In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, it’s the people who make the difference in ensuring our safety. The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards are a testament to the resilience and expertise of those who protect our cyber infrastructure,” said Emilie Beneitez Lefebvre, Head of Public Relations Asia Pacific & Japan , EMEA & LATAM at Check Point Software. “Check Point is thrilled to be a sponsor this year, as we believe in the importance of recognising and celebrating the unsung heroes who make the UK a safer place for all.”
Entries are now open, which includes filling in a short form detailing why the person deserves the award. Nominations will remain open until 5pm on the 6th of September 2024, before closing for review by an esteemed panel of judges.
The awards are judged by an esteemed panel of respected industry figures. So far judges include:
- Jenny Radcliffe, author and world-renowned people hacker
- Shan Lee, CISO at DocPlanner Group and 2023 CISO Supremo winner
- Yvonne Eskenzi, lead organiser and director of Eskenzi PR
- Javvad Malik, lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4
- Rebecca Taylor, Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager at Secureworks and 2023 Diversity Champion winner.
- Tim Ward, CEO of ThinkCyber
- Emilie Beneitez Lefebvre, Head of Public Relations Asia Pacific & Japan , EMEA & LATAM at Check Point Software
- Irvin Shillingford, Regional Manager Northern Europe at Hornetsecurity
Nominees, nominators, and their guests are then invited to a celebratory evening hosted on the 16th of October 2024 at St Barts Brewery in London to coincide with Cybersecurity Awareness Month. With thanks to sponsors, the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards are free to enter and to attend, setting it apart from other industry awards.
“People are, and always have been, at the heart of the cybersecurity industry. However, with so many threats and so much technological development, it can be easy to lose sight of the great people behind the scenes keeping us all safe. The cybersecurity community is full of people who are passionate about keeping businesses and the public safe from the threat of cybercrime, at any cost, and it’s important that we celebrate them as the heroes that they are,” said Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder and Director at Eskenzi PR. “The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards are a brilliant way for us to give back to and celebrate the efforts of the cybersecurity community!”
Categories this year include:
- Cyber Writer
- Godparent of Security
- Data Guardian
- CISO Supremo (sponsored by Hornet Security)
- Security Avengers – Best Team
- Best Educator
- Best Ethical Hacker/Pentester
- Rising Star
- Security Mentor
- Best Security Awareness Campaign (sponsored by KnowBe4)
- Diversity Champion
- Cybersecurity Wellbeing Advocate (sponsored by The Zensory)
For more information, visit: https://www.securityserious.com/unsung-heroes/
To nominate, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScFLluWtvLjwN_2YFC8GqZDezURF3aVAWKaetJpVlsvrEZABA/viewform?usp=send_form
Irvin Shillingford, Regional Manager Northern Europe at Hornetsecurity said: “We are pleased to be supporting this year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. It’s important that we come together as a community to celebrate the incredible individuals and teams who keep us safe. We’re particularly proud to be sponsoring the 2024 CISO Supremo category. CISOs are at the forefront of keeping organisations safe, but are under increasing pressure. It’s imperative that we recognise the exceptional work that these individuals do to protect their organisations and the wider public.”
Tim Ward, CEO of ThinkCyber, said: “I’m delighted that ThinkCyber is sponsoring this year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. These awards highlight the incredible efforts of cybersecurity professionals who tirelessly work behind the scenes to protect our digital world. At ThinkCyber, we believe in the power of recognition and the importance of celebrating those who make our industry stronger, more secure, and more inclusive. It is an honour to be part of this initiative that shines a light on the true heroes of cybersecurity.”
Rebecca Taylor, Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager at Secureworks – “I am delighted to be a judge for this year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. Winning ‘Diversity Champion’ in 2023 was a game changer for me, not only opening doors to new opportunities and relationships but giving me the confidence to keep pushing hard in my career, and for diversity, equity and inclusion across cybersecurity. I am excited to pass this – and the joy that comes with the awards – on.
I cannot wait to see the amazing pool of nominees and I am sure it will be no easy task whittling them down to the finalists! Please do nominate, whether it be an amazing individual, an organisation, or a self-nomination! All those making a difference in cyber deserve to be seen, heard, appreciated and celebrated.”
Javvad Malik, the lead security awareness advocate at KnowBe4, expressed enthusiasm for sponsoring and judging the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards. He highlighted the importance of the event in recognizing the exceptional efforts within the cybersecurity community. Malik stated, “We look forward to sponsoring these awards every year to draw attention to the work that the industry and end-user organisations are doing throughout the year to educate employees and raise awareness among the public around dealing with cyber threats. In a year that’s been marked by yet more ransomware attacks, rampant phishing campaigns and the gaining pace of AI, it’s a welcome reprieve to celebrate the efforts made to keep the UK a safer place to do business.”
