Nominations are now open for the 2026 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards! The deadline for entry is the 9th January 2026. We’re proud to be media supporters once again.
The 2026 event is hosted by Eskenzi PR and sponsored by Fidelity International, BT, Bridewell and Plexal – organisations that are leading the way in making the cybersecurity industry more inclusive. The 6th annual event, held at the iconic BT Tower on the 26th February 2026, aims to celebrate trailblazers at all stages of their careers from across the cybersecurity industry who are doing exceptional things.
Additionally, Eskenzi PR has partnered with some of the most influential women in cyber groups to help shape the awards, ensuring they are more inclusive and intersectional than ever before. By partnering with WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate and Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), it is hoped that the 2026 event will reach an even wider range of inspirational women from across all corners of the globe.
Aiding in this mission, cybersecurity consultancy Bridewell has committed to sponsoring a bursary that will allow the UK based winners of the Ones to Watch category to attend the awards with paid travel and accommodation. A new addition for the 2026 awards, sparked by industry feedback, this move is hoped to remove the financial barriers of attending industry events for people starting out in their careers.
Cybersecurity continues to face challenges with diversity and representation. According to research by ISC2, women now make up about 22% of the global cybersecurity workforce. Despite the industry’s growing demand for skilled professionals – driven by escalating talent shortages and increasingly sophisticated threats – representation remains limited. Building a more inclusive cybersecurity community requires visible role models, mentorship, and active encouragement. After all, we cannot become what we cannot see.
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aims to bring together and empower incredible women (both established and those starting out their careers) and make long lasting connections.
Nominations can be submitted via this link and will remain open until 5pm on Friday 9th January 2026. An esteemed panel of judges (yet to be confirmed) will then review the submissions and narrow the list down to the Top 20, each of whom will be profiled on the IT Security Guru. There will also be five women crowned ‘ones to watch’.
On the 26th February 2026, a physical awards ceremony will be held in London at the iconic BT Tower. The event will include a welcome address and an informal panel discussion with a Q&A featuring industry leaders. Then, the finalists will be awarded their certificates and trophies. The event will conclude with networking over food and drinks at the top of the tower. Finalists, judges, and guests are welcome to attend in person and the public can tune in to the ceremony via a live stream. More information to be provided soon.
The award’s founder, Yvonne Eskenzi, said: “We’re delighted to once again host the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, supported by industry leaders including Fidelity International, Bridewell and Plexel. With BT’s continued partnership, it’s a pleasure and a privilege to return to the iconic BT Tower once again for this special occasion. At Eskenzi, we remain deeply committed to championing diversity in cybersecurity through meaningful action. Together with leading women’s networks and forward-thinking organisations, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aims to celebrate, elevate and empower women across the sector while helping to forge lasting connections among all who attend.”
‘Women in Cyber’ group, at Fidelity International, said: “At Fidelity International, supporting the 2026 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards reflects our belief that empowering women strengthens cybersecurity. As cyber threats intensify, diverse perspectives are key to safeguarding our digital future. By championing talent and creating opportunities, we aim to inspire the next generation of women leaders in cybersecurity.”
Laura Price, Cyber Skills Partnerships Manager at BT Business, said: “At BT Business, we’re committed to helping organisations stay connected, secure, and future ready. Supporting the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards reflects our belief that diversity and innovation go hand in hand. By celebrating role models and amplifying voices, we aim to inspire the next generation of cyber leaders and strengthen the resilience of businesses in an increasingly digital world.”
Diane Gilbert, Senior Lead Programmes at Plexal, said: “Plexal supports women in cyber to build careers and grow their businesses. Wonderful moments like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards provide an opportunity to celebrate the increased inclusion and diversification of the industry to date. And reinforces the important role we all play in keeping the momentum going on female representation in the sector. Plexal is excited to be a returning sponsor of the 2026 awards.”
For more information and to nominate visit: https://www.itsecurityguru.org/most-inspiring-women-cyber-2026/
