This award celebrates an individual who goes beyond the expectations of their role to advocate for and drive the adoption of artificial intelligence in cybersecurity. Recognising both established leaders and rising stars, this category honours those who are pioneering AI-driven security solutions, shaping ethical AI practices, and championing the role of AI in strengthening cyber resilience. The award also acknowledges those who actively support and empower women and non-binary individuals in cybersecurity, fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking AI-driven security industry.

Nomination Questions:

• • How does your nominee exhibit leadership in advocating for AI in cybersecurity? Describe their influence within the industry or organisation and their role in driving AI adoption, innovation, or ethical AI practices.

  • In what ways has your nominee championed and empowered women and non-binary individuals in AI and cybersecurity? Provide specific examples of mentorship, advocacy, or initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion.

  • Describe the most significant outcomes resulting from your nominee’s work. Provide concrete examples of how their contributions have improved cybersecurity through AI applications, policy influence, or industry advancements.

  • Highlight the challenges your nominee had to overcome in achieving these outcomes. Discuss the obstacles they faced—technical, ethical, or systemic—and how they navigated them.

  • How is your nominee demonstrating innovation and excellence in AI for cybersecurity? Offer examples showcasing their creative, forward-thinking solutions, research, or strategic initiatives that push the boundaries of AI in security.

  • Why do you believe this champion deserves the award? Consider the quality, scale, and impact of their achievements. What sets them apart as an outstanding advocate for AI in cybersecurity?

This award recognises outstanding innovation in the application of artificial intelligence to cybersecurity. AI is transforming the security landscape, enhancing threat detection, automating responses, and strengthening defences against evolving cyber threats. This category celebrates individuals, teams, or organisations that have demonstrated exceptional use of AI to improve security outcomes, showcasing creativity, effectiveness, and ethical responsibility in their approach.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s innovative use of AI in cybersecurity. Provide details on how AI is applied, the specific challenges it addresses, and why this implementation stands out in the industry.

• Highlight measurable outcomes and impact. Share evidence of how the nominee’s AI-driven cybersecurity solutions have improved security posture, threat detection, response times, or other key metrics.

• Detail any collaborations or partnerships that contributed to the AI implementation. How have these collaborations enhanced the development, effectiveness, or adoption of the nominee’s AI-powered cybersecurity solutions?

• Discuss how the nominee ensures ethical and responsible AI use in cybersecurity. Provide examples of measures taken to mitigate bias, improve transparency, and align AI-driven security solutions with ethical standards.

• Describe how the nominee’s AI innovation advances the cybersecurity industry. How does this work contribute to shaping best practices, influencing AI-driven security strategies, or inspiring others in the field?

The “Best in Quantum in Cyber Champion” award recognises outstanding individuals, organisations, or initiatives in Australia that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation at the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. This award honors those who have made significant strides in leveraging quantum technologies to enhance cybersecurity defenses, address emerging threats, and contribute to the advancement of quantum-safe cryptographic practices.

Nomination Questions:

• Provide an overview of the nominee’s key initiatives at the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. Outline specific projects, research, or implementations that showcase a commitment to advancing both fields.
• How has the nominee’s work influenced the cybersecurity landscape in the context of quantum computing? 
• Share examples of how the nominee has innovatively applied quantum technologies to enhance cybersecurity measures. Highlight any novel approaches, algorithms, or solutions that demonstrate a forward-thinking mindset.
• Describe the nominee’s efforts in collaborating with the cybersecurity and quantum computing communities. Highlight partnerships, knowledge-sharing initiatives, or engagement with stakeholders that have fostered collaboration between the two domains.
• Discuss the nominee’s contributions to quantum-safe cryptography. Outline any developments, implementations, or advocacy for cryptographic practices that are resilient against quantum attacks.
• Provide quantifiable metrics or qualitative evidence that illustrates the impact of the nominee’s quantum initiatives on overall cybersecurity posture. This could include improvements in resilience, threat detection, or other relevant security metrics.
• Detail how the nominee has contributed to educating and raising awareness about the intersection of quantum computing and cybersecurity. Discuss any outreach programs, educational initiatives, or public awareness campaigns undertaken.

Excellence in Secure Coding Award

This award recognises an outstanding individual, regardless of gender identity (female or non-binary), who has demonstrated exceptional expertise in the development of software for security applications. Whether in protection or detection, serving as a team leader or a hands-on coder, their achievements must be applied and demonstrable.

Nomination Questions:

• Provide details of the project(s) that, in your view, qualify the candidate for this award. Highlight the significance of their contributions to secure coding.
• Describe the candidate’s role in the nominated project. Whether as a team leader or hands-on coder, explain their specific responsibilities and contributions.
• Share the main benefits and outcomes achieved through the candidate’s involvement in the project. Discuss the positive impact of their secure coding expertise.
• Outline the main challenges faced during the project and how the candidate navigated these obstacles to achieve the desired outcomes.
• Explore what the candidate loves most about coding in the security industry. What motivates and inspires them in their work within the realm of secure coding?
• How does the organisation/company plan to build on the candidate’s project/projects? Discuss future initiatives or developments inspired by the nominee’s contributions.
• Summarise what sets the candidate apart and makes them truly deserving of the Excellence in Secure Coding Award. Highlight the unique qualities that distinguish them as a leader in secure coding.

Advancement Champion in Protective Security Award

This award recognises the impactful efforts of the ‘advancement champion’ actively contributing to the progress of women and non-binary individuals within the protective security industry. This accolade is dedicated to individuals who, through mentorship, collaborative work efforts, and influential leadership, have significantly elevated the status and lives of women and non-binary individuals in the protective security sector.

Nomination Questions:

• How is the nominee actively supporting and empowering women and non-binary individuals in the protective security industry? Describe their contributions, whether through mentorship, collaborative work efforts, or leadership.
• Explore the motivations that led the nominee to become a ‘change champion.’ What inspired them to get involved and make a difference in supporting and empowering others within the protective security industry?
• Detail the nominee’s efforts to improve the status and lives of women in the protective security industry. Provide examples and discuss whether these efforts have yielded tangible and positive results.
• Share the challenges the nominee has faced in their career that contributed to their role as a ‘change champion’ for others in the protective security industry. How did these challenges shape their advocacy efforts?
• Reflect on the biggest lesson the nominee has learned about helping others in their journey to support and empower women and non-binary individuals. Discuss the insights gained from their experiences as a ‘change champion.’

Cybersecurity Advocacy and Rising Star Achievement Award

This award marks the convergence of two prestigious distinctions: ‘IT Security Champion’ and ‘The One to Watch in IT Security.’ Designed to shine a spotlight on an individual who transcends the conventional expectations of their role, this recognition honors those actively supporting, championing, and empowering women and non-binary individuals in the dynamic realm of Cybersecurity. In addition, this accolade extends to someone deemed a rising star, symbolising significant contributions to the industry with the promise of even more remarkable achievements in the future. Nominees for this category are celebrated for their exceptional contributions and achievements, showcasing diverse talents that position them as true advocates for Cybersecurity.

Nomination Questions:

• How does your nominee exhibit leadership in advocating for cybersecurity, either within the industry or your organization? In what ways have they actively championed and empowered women and non-binary individuals in Cybersecurity?
• Share the achievements of your nominee that exemplify unrealized and unique potential or have significantly influenced the industry or your organization. Provide specific examples of their accomplishments that stand out.
• Describe the most significant outcomes resulting from your nominee’s actions. Provide specific instances where their efforts have led to positive transformations or advancements.
• Highlight the challenges your nominee had to overcome in achieving these outcomes. Discuss their strategies for navigating and surmounting these challenges.
• How is your nominee demonstrating innovation and excellence in the cybersecurity industry? Offer specific examples showcasing their creative and forward-thinking contributions.
• Why do you believe this champion deserves the award? Consider aspects such as the quality, scale, and difficulty of their achievements. What distinguishes them as an outstanding Cybersecurity Advocate?

Australia’s Exemplary Leader in Protective Security Award

This award celebrates an exceptional individual who epitomises excellence, innovation, and leadership in the dynamic field of protective security. Honoring the achievements of a formidable female or non-binary leader, this recognition highlights their diverse skill set, successful delivery of highly valued products or services, and unwavering commitment to excellence across all their business endeavors.

Nomination Questions:

• Provide details of the nominee’s achievements, showcasing instances of excellence, innovation, or leadership that distinguish them as a standout candidate for this award.
• Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership or fostered collaboration in their achievements. Explain how these collaborative efforts have benefited others within the protective security industry.
• Discuss the barriers or challenges the nominee has encountered on their journey to outstanding achievement. Outline how they navigated and conquered these obstacles.
• Share information on the recognition the nominee’s achievements have received to date. Highlight any awards, accolades, or acknowledgments they have earned.
• Explain how the nominee is making a difference and leading the way as a strong female or non-binary leader in the protective security/resilience industry. Discuss their impact on the industry.
• Summarise what sets the nominee apart and makes them truly deserving of Australia’s Exemplary Leader in Protective Security Award. Highlight the unique qualities that distinguish them in their field.

Australia’s IT Security Trailblazer Award

This prestigious award celebrates an exceptional female or non-binary individual who stands at the forefront of the IT security industry, serving as a trailblazer and inspiration for others. The recipient’s achievements span diverse domains, showcasing exceptional technical skills, pivotal roles in delivering market-leading products or services, widely recognised leadership, meaningful community contributions, and a passionate approach to overcoming industry challenges. The awardee is expected to leave a lasting impact on the IT security industry.

Nomination Questions:

• Provide details of the nominee’s remarkable achievements, emphasising excellence, innovation, leadership, or any combination thereof that positions them as a deserving candidate for this award.
• Describe how the nominee has demonstrated leadership or fostered collaboration in their achievements. Explain the ways in which these collaborative efforts have benefited others within the IT security industry.
• Discuss the barriers or challenges the nominee has faced on their journey to outstanding achievement. Outline how they navigated and surmounted these obstacles.
• Share information on the recognition the nominee’s achievements have received to date. Highlight any awards, accolades, or acknowledgments they have earned.
• Explore why the nominee is so passionate about the work or projects they tackle. What inspires them to engage fervently in their endeavors within the IT security field?
• Summarise what sets the nominee apart and makes them truly deserving of the Australia’s IT Security Trailblazer Award. Highlight the unique qualities that distinguish them in their role as an industry leader.

Every accomplished security leader embarks on their journey as a novice, whether freshly graduated and engaged in formal education, transitioning into the security realm from another profession, or returning to the workforce after a prolonged hiatus. This award is designed to acknowledge an outstanding student who is already making significant contributions, leaving a lasting impact on the industry, and displaying substantial potential for assuming a leadership role in the future.

Entrants are encouraged to respond thoughtfully to the following questions, as the evaluation process focuses exclusively on these responses. The nominee’s chances of recognition depend entirely on the quality of their answers. Self-nominations are accepted, and responses to each question should be confined to a concise 300 words.

Furthermore, our commitment to diversity is reflected in our recognition of women and non-binary individuals across various categories. To facilitate an inclusive nomination process, kindly provide the nominee’s pronouns if known, ensuring that every deserving individual receives due consideration.

• Provide a synopsis of their current position and outline the path they took to attain this role.
• Detail the obstacles they have successfully surmounted on their journey to their current professional standing.
• Elaborate on specific accomplishments that serve as tangible evidence of their potential for future leadership within the industry.
• Describe their engagement with the security sector beyond their primary responsibilities in their current role.
• If self-nominating, outline their strategic plans that signify their potential for leadership within the industry.
• Share their perspectives on what aspects of the security industry resonate with them the most and articulate why they are driven to continue making a meaningful impact.

Mentorship Excellence in Security Award

This award acknowledges and celebrates the transformative influence of mentors on the professional journeys of women and non-binary individuals within the security field, as showcased in the narratives of Women in Security magazine. Recognising the pivotal role of mentoring, this accolade pays tribute to mentors whose guidance has proven invaluable in shaping the success stories of numerous professionals.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the formal role of the nominee within the security industry. Provide insights into their position and responsibilities.
• Offer information about the scale, scope, and nature of the nominee’s mentoring activities. Outline the depth of their involvement and commitment to mentoring in the security sector.
• Share details of women or non-binary individuals who have significantly benefited from being mentored by the nominee. Highlight specific success stories or positive outcomes resulting from their mentorship.
• Discuss what aspects of the nominee’s mentoring style and approach set them apart and make them deserving of this award. Consider qualities that distinguish them as an exceptional security mentor.
• For self-nominations or if known, explore the motivations that drive the nominee to be a mentor. What inspires them to contribute to the professional growth and development of others in the security industry?