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?