This year’s Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards uncovered and celebrated the individuals and teams that go above and beyond to make the UK a safer place to do business, as well as make the cybersecurity industry a healthier, more diverse to work. The sponsors included KnowBe4, Check Point Software, ThinkCyber, The Zensory, Hornetsecurity and Pulse Conferences.
The IT Security Guru spoke to this year’s Security Leader winner – Jennifer Cox, Director for Ireland, WiCyS UKI Affiliate, about her success this year and what it means to be a Security Serious Unsung Hero to her.
Tell us about your role?
JC: In my role as Director for Ireland within WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) UKI Affiliate, I focus on mentorship, advocacy, community engagement, and professional development. I work with the rest of the board, to guide and support women who are either entering or advancing in the cybersecurity field, fostering a diverse, inclusive environment that’s accessible to everyone. A key part of my role is engaging with the community, organising events, workshops, and discussions to create spaces for collaboration and knowledge sharing among our members. Professional development is a priority, and I work to ensure members have access to resources, training, and opportunities that help them build successful careers.
Beyond this, I collaborate with industry partners on strategic initiatives, developing programs that address challenges women face in cybersecurity and creating clear pathways to career advancement. These efforts align with WiCyS’s mission to recruit, retain, and advance women in cybersecurity, supporting the creation of a robust, diverse cybersecurity workforce.
Why is community so important in cybersecurity?
JC: Community in cybersecurity is vital because it fosters collaboration, trust, and knowledge-sharing in a field that’s constantly evolving. Cybersecurity is not just about tools and technology; it’s also about people. Having a strong community enables professionals to share insights, learn from each other’s experiences, and collectively address emerging threats and challenges. This sense of connection and support is particularly essential because cybersecurity can be an isolating field, with long hours and high-pressure situations.
For women and underrepresented groups in particular, community provides a safe space to discuss unique challenges, receive mentorship, and find inspiration from those with shared experiences. When professionals in cyber come together, they create an environment where everyone can grow and contribute, building a more resilient, diverse workforce that’s better equipped to tackle complex issues. Community helps us move forward together, reinforcing the idea that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and by supporting one another, we strengthen the entire field.
What does it mean to you to be an ‘Unsung Hero’?
JC: Being recognised as an “Unsung Hero” is incredibly meaningful to me, as it acknowledges the quieter, behind-the-scenes work that often goes unseen but makes a real impact. In cybersecurity and community work, there’s a lot that happens outside the spotlight—whether it’s advocating for others, fostering inclusion, or mentoring someone to reach their potential. This award celebrates those efforts, the small but powerful contributions that help build a stronger, more inclusive industry. More importantly it shows others that they can do it, too.
For me, being an Unsung Hero is about staying committed to those values without needing recognition, focusing on the purpose and not the praise. It’s about creating meaningful change, often in subtle ways, and knowing that these efforts are valuable because they uplift others, bring people together, and inspire more voices to join the field. This award validates that dedication and it’s truly rewarding to see that kind of impact recognised.
WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) UKI Affiliate is accepting members across UK & Ireland. Membership is free and Allies are welcome, too!
