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Search begins for UK’s cyber security Unsung Heroes

The Security Serious cyber awareness campaign has opened nominations for the third annual cyber security Unsung Heroes awards

Nominations are open for the 2018 Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards, aimed at recognising the people on the front line of cyber threats, saving companies from financial and reputational harm, particularly those who deserve recognition for going above and beyond the call of duty.

The awards also recognise the unsung heroes who are involved in cyber security education, journalism, sales and working with law enforcement who have consistently demonstrated their dedication to IT security.

Nominations are open until 10 August and the winners will be announced on 3 October 2018, during Security Serious Week.

The week, which coincides with European Cyber Security Awareness Month, is dedicated to events put on by cyber security experts to encourage others to take cyber security more seriously.

Nominations in 14 categories should be submitted as soon as possible via email by stating the nominee’s name, email address, the category he/she is being nominated for and the reasons for the nomination in 500 words or less.

The Unsung Heroes Awards, started by Eskenzi PR, Smile on Fridays and the IT Security Guru, are backed by the cyber security industry from certification bodies such as Crest to major corporations like Canon and Publicis Groupe as well as suppliers like CyberArk, Cybereason, Operatix, Janrain, Intelisecure, Mimecast and Gigamon. The sponsorship ensures that that awards are free to enter and free to attend. 

“Our unique format means that people can nominate their customers, colleagues, friends or professors to be recognised for the fantastic - but often thankless -  work they do behind the scenes,” said Yvonne Eskenzi, director of Eskenzi PR and founder of Security Serious.

“The Unsung Heroes awards are about unearthing new talent and thanking all those incredible IT security professionals who work tirelessly behind the scenes doing great work.  We also want to encourage new talent into the industry and show them how rewarding a career in cyber security can be.”

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The categories are listed below. More details can be found on the website:

  • Fraud Fighter
  • Captain Compliance
  • Godfather of Security
  • Cyber Writer
  • Security Avengers (team)
  • Best Security Awareness Campaign
  • Security Leader/Mentor
  • Apprentice/Rising Star
  • Best Ethical Hacker/Pen-Tester
  • Best Educator
  • Data Guardian
  • SecDevOps Trailblazer
  • Cyber Security Sales Leader

The final category is CISO Supremo, with awards recognising excellence in the CISO role in a range of industry sectors, including retail, critical infrastructure, finance, manufacturing, media and entertainment, charity, and telecoms.

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