Champions of Change in Cybersecurity Award

Formerly recognised as the ‘Male Champion of Change,’ this distinguished award now celebrates both male and non-binary champions of change actively committed to dismantling entrenched gender-based discrimination and bias within their workplace. These champions also play a pivotal role in promoting equality throughout the Cybersecurity industry. Awardees will be those who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to and achieved significant milestones in fostering inclusivity and gender equality.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s formal role in the industry and outline specific initiatives they have undertaken to address gender-related issues, both within and outside your organisation.
• Provide indicators of the success of the nominee’s achievements. Include details on sustainable changes within their organisation and whether their initiatives have been adopted by others in the industry.
• Outline the challenges the nominee has faced in executing their championing initiatives. Describe how they navigated and surmounted these challenges.
• Share specific examples of how women have benefited from the nominee’s initiatives. Highlight positive outcomes and improvements directly resulting from their efforts.
• Explore the motivations that led the nominee to become a champion of change. For self-nominations, elucidate the personal commitment and driving factors behind their advocacy for gender equality.

Inclusive Workplace Excellence in Security Award

This recognition celebrates workplaces that have exhibited exceptional dedication to fostering an environment that empowers and supports women and non-binary individuals, facilitating the realisation of their full potential. The victorious organisation will be distinguished by its unwavering commitment to eliminating gender bias in all its manifestations, striving to create an inclusive workplace where every employee is treated with equality, regardless of gender.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the involvement of women in security roles within this workplace. Include specific details, such as the number of women in key security positions.
• Outline the specific programs and policies the organization has implemented to encourage women to achieve their full potential in the security sector.
• Detail the measures the organization is taking to ensure recruitment and promotion practices and policies are free from gender bias.
• Describe the organisation’s efforts to educate its workforce about gender bias and discrimination, as well as the strategies employed to eliminate these issues.
• Highlight the policies and procedures the organization has in place to address gender-related issues, including discrimination, bias, and harassment.
• Summarise why you believe this organisation stands out and deserves the Excellence in Security Workplace Award. Consider aspects such as inclusivity, equality, and the overall positive impact on the security industry.

Unsung Hero in Security Excellence Award proudly sponsored by TAL

This accolade is dedicated to recognising the often-overlooked champions in the security realm – those unsung heroes who consistently exhibit excellence in various security roles and activities. These individuals transcend the conventional expectations of their positions, making substantial contributions to the cybersecurity industry or community. Whether it’s through mentoring, unwavering support for women’s professional and personal growth, advocacy for the security sector, or initiatives aimed at fortifying organisational cybersecurity, these unsung heroes leave a lasting, impactful difference.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s formal role and shed light on their ‘heroic’ and ‘unsung’ contributions to the security industry. How do they surpass the boundaries of their formal responsibilities?
• Share the tangible outcomes and benefits resulting from the nominee’s ‘heroic’ initiatives and activities. Discuss how these efforts have positively influenced the security industry or community.
• Outline the challenges the nominee has faced or conquered in pursuing their exceptional activities. How have they navigated obstacles to create a meaningful difference?
• For self-nominations or if known, delve into what the nominee finds most appealing about the security industry. Why do they persist in striving to make a positive difference?
• Highlight the qualities that make the nominee truly stand out and deserving of the Unsung Hero in Security Excellence Award. Discuss the unique attributes that set them apart.
• Explore the reasons behind the nominee’s inspiration to work tirelessly and contribute to the advancement of women, non-binary individuals, and/or the organisation/security industry. What fuels their dedication to creating a positive impact?

Emerging Luminary in Protective Security Award

This accolade honors the emergence of a ‘rising star’ within the protective security industry—individuals in the early stages of their careers who have already left a substantial imprint on the field and exhibit the promise of achieving even greater milestones. Recognising excellence and innovation in protective security, the award seeks to spotlight talents and accomplishments that distinguish nominees as possessing the potential for significant contributions to the industry.

Nomination Questions:

• Detail the accomplishments of the nominee to date that serve as compelling indicators of their yet-to-be-fully-realised potential.
• Share insights into the challenges they have successfully surmounted on their journey toward notable accomplishments.
• Describe the nominee’s influence on the broader protective security landscape, extending beyond their immediate work or study environment.
• Illustrate how the nominee is actively showcasing excellence and driving innovation within the protective security sector.
• As an emerging star, outline the nominee’s plans for the future, encompassing personal career goals, educational pursuits, and their vision for contributing to the ongoing development of the industry.

Outstanding Contribution to Cybersecurity Awareness and Safety Award

This award acknowledges individuals who make exceptional, voluntary contributions to the cybersecurity and safety of Australian businesses, governments, and the public. These contributions may involve raising awareness about the risks and dangers of cyberattacks and data thefts, educating others, or actively engaging in cybersecurity defense or offense in the public, private, or government sectors.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s outstanding contributions to the cybersecurity and safety of Australian businesses, governments, and the public. Highlight specific actions, initiatives, or projects that showcase their dedication.
• Explain how the nominee is involved in educating public or private sector agencies, as well as the general public, on improving cybersecurity postures and reducing risks associated with inadequate technical security controls.
• Provide examples of how the nominee has promoted best practices for cybersecurity, such as enhancing security assurance within cloud computing or improving the security readiness and response of public and private sector entities.
• Detail the nominee’s efforts in raising public awareness about internet security. Discuss any campaigns, events, or initiatives they have undertaken to educate and inform the broader community.
• Discuss how the nominee actively contributes to cybersecurity defense or offense in the public, private, or government sectors. Highlight specific achievements or actions that have made a positive impact.
• Describe the nominee’s engagement with the community in the context of cybersecurity. Include any outreach programs, partnerships, or collaborative efforts that demonstrate their commitment to promoting cybersecurity awareness and safety.
• Share the nominee’s plans for future initiatives in the cybersecurity space. How do they envision continuing their outstanding contributions to cybersecurity awareness and safety?

Innovation in Cybersecurity Education Award

This award aims to highlight the most innovative educator in cybersecurity, acknowledging individuals or institutions that have shown significant innovation and success in the provision of security education. Cybersecurity education is diverse, ranging from formal courses to informal knowledge-sharing platforms, covering a spectrum of topics from specialised areas for experts to cybersecurity awareness for the broader workforce and the general public.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the innovative approaches adopted by the nominee, either as an individual or institution, in providing cybersecurity education. Highlight specific methods, technologies, or initiatives that showcase their innovation.
• Share measurable success metrics or outcomes resulting from the nominee’s innovative cybersecurity education initiatives. Provide evidence of the positive impact on learners, organisations, or the community.
• Outline the diversity of educational offerings provided by the nominee. Discuss how they cater to various audiences, from specialists seeking highly specialised topics to the general public interested in cyber safety awareness.
• Detail any collaborations or partnerships the nominee has engaged in to enhance cybersecurity education. Highlight how these collaborations contribute to the innovation and success of their educational initiatives.
• Discuss how the nominee’s cybersecurity education efforts have contributed to advancing industry knowledge and expertise. Provide examples of knowledge dissemination and the impact on cybersecurity professionals and the wider community.
• Explain how the nominee addresses cybersecurity awareness and safety for individuals outside the industry. Describe any initiatives targeting workforce cybersecurity awareness and safety, as well as education for the general public.
• Share the nominee’s vision for future educational innovations in cybersecurity. How do they plan to continue pushing boundaries and evolving their approach to cybersecurity education?

Explore and nominate exceptional initiatives that champion diversity, inclusion, and equality, whether within organisational confines or through external community-focused campaigns. Whether it’s an internal program or an external effort, the awards celebrate initiatives based on their scale, quality, success, acceptance, and innovativeness.

To nominate, provide comprehensive responses to the following questions. Entries will be evaluated solely based on the information given. Encourage self-nominations and limit each answer to 300 words.

Initiative Overview (300 words max):

• Concisely outline the initiative, emphasising its purpose, goals, and the impact it has made in advancing diversity, inclusion, and equality.
• Detail the reach and scope of the initiative, specifying the number of individuals, teams, or communities positively affected by the program.
• Discuss the initiative’s quality, focusing on meticulous planning, execution, and sustainability. Highlight any distinctive features or strategies that distinguish it.
• Share measurable outcomes and success metrics associated with the initiative. This may include improvements in diversity metrics, employee satisfaction, community engagement, or other relevant success indicators.
• Describe the level of acceptance and engagement the initiative has garnered from participants, stakeholders, and the broader community. Include any feedback or testimonials that underscore its positive reception.
• Showcase the innovative aspects of the initiative. Explain how it pioneers new approaches, introduces creative solutions, or breaks new ground in addressing diversity, inclusion, and equality challenges.

Security convergence is the strategic integration of physical security and information security within an organisation, breaking down silos to create unified teams and strategies. This award, recognises an individual who excels in balancing the convergence of digital and physical security. The awardee will possess the knowledge to identify challenges that arise when dealing with both cyber and physical security, demonstrating an exceptional ability to integrate the management of these domains within their organisation and the respective teams responsible for each.

Nomination Questions: maybe?

• Describe how the nominee has demonstrated expertise in integrating digital and physical security within their organisation. Highlight specific instances or projects that showcase their ability to converge security strategies.
• Explain how the nominee recognises and addresses the distinct challenges that arise when dealing with both cyber and physical security. Provide examples of their proactive approach to managing these challenges.
• Discuss how the nominee brings together the teams responsible for physical and cyber security. Outline their methods for fostering collaboration, communication, and cohesion between these traditionally separate disciplines.
• Share notable achievements resulting from the nominee’s efforts in converging digital and physical security. Highlight outcomes that demonstrate enhanced security resilience and effectiveness.
• Explore the nominee’s contributions to advancing the concept of security convergence. Discuss any innovative approaches, technologies, or strategies they have implemented to push the boundaries of converged security.
• If known, provide the nominee’s pronouns to ensure their inclusion in the category recognising women and non-binary individuals. Discuss how the nominee promotes inclusivity and diversity within the context of converged security resilience.

This award aims to recognise outstanding efforts by both individuals and organisations that have surpassed their formal roles to support, champion, and empower neurodivergent individuals within the field of cybersecurity.

Individuals or organisations nominated for this category will be acknowledged for their remarkable contributions and achievements in fostering the progress and success of neurodivergent individuals in the realm of cybersecurity. This recognition celebrates their commitment to extending diversity, equity, and inclusion, positioning them as true ‘Cybersecurity Champions.’

Nomination Questions

• In what ways does your nominee serve as a role model for fostering neurodivergent inclusion and a sense of belonging, either within the security industry or your organisation?
• Please elaborate on the changes initiated by your nominee that you believe showcase their impactful contributions to enhancing the sense of belonging for neurodivergent individuals, whether in the industry, the field of security, or within your specific organisation.
• Could you share the most significant positive learnings, outcomes, and success stories resulting from these changes spearheaded by your nominee?
• How is your nominee exemplifying leadership, excellence, and/or innovation in driving changes related to inclusion and equity, particularly concerning neurodivergent individuals?
• What aspects of your nominee’s efforts make them deserving of this award? Consider factors such as the quality, scale, and the level of difficulty in achieving the changes they have implemented.