Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards

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Cybersecurity PR that puts you in the spotlight

Have you, a friend or a colleague gone above the call of duty when it comes to protecting your organisation from cyber threats? Then come apply and get the recognition you or they deserve!

This is your chance to shine with a winning trophy that recognises all the hard work and dedication that goes into being a true cybersecurity professional.

The Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards acknowledge the people who go above and beyond to keep us safe online. From mentors to educators, diversity champions to whole teams on the frontline of cybersecurity, the awards celebrate those who often don’t receive enough recognition for their actions.

Our mission is to educate the public, while doing so in a fun-filled way. The one constant event we host as part of this initiative is our annual awards ceremony, the ‘Unsung Heroes Award’, which celebrates those working hard behind the scenes to keep us safe.

The awards are a chance for the people, not products, on the front lines – whether it’s teaching others, working with law enforcement or battling cyber threats in organisations – to come together and receive the recognition they deserve. We would love your help in supporting the awards and nominating worthy individuals!

Key sponsors included KnowBe4, Check Point Software, ThinkCyber, The Zensory, Hornetsecurity and Pulse Conferences. The event was also supported by Security on Screen, Computer Weekly and The IT Security Guru.

The Event

Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards 21st October 2026

Now in its 10th year, the Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards recognises the UK’s “Unsung Heroes in Cybersecurity”.

Have you, a friend or a colleague gone above the call of duty when it comes to protecting your organisation from cyber threats? Then come apply and get the recognition you or they deserve! This is your chance to shine with a winning trophy that recognises all the hard work and dedication that goes into being a true cybersecurity professional.

Our Sponsors

The 2026 nominations are now open!

Deadline: 16th Sept 2026, 5pm BST.

categories

CYBER CORRESPONDENT

This award will go to the IT security writer/journalist who is completely on the ball and understands cybersecurity, demonstrating this through thought-provoking, well- written articles and interviews that help educate and inform his/her audience.

GODFATHER/ GODMOTHER OF SECURITY

This award will go to someone who has been around the block and back and contributed greatly to the IT Security industry for more than 25 years.

DATA GUARDIAN

Data has quickly become one of the most sought-after commodities. This award goes to the person who is always looking out for the interests of the everyday individual; making sure that customer and employee data are protected from prying eyes and their privacy is preserved.

CISO SUPREMO

CISOs play an important role in securing all aspects of the business and implementing programmes that increase the security posture of an organisation. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it – this award will recognise the best.

SECURITY AVENGERS

Security is not a one person job, this award will recognise the best IT security team and how they averted a security disaster or persevere in the fight to keep their organisations safe from cyber threats.

BEST EDUCATOR

This award will go to a professor, lecturer or teacher who leads by example to inspire and motivate the next generation of cyber security professionals.

BEST ETHICAL HACKER/PEN TESTER

This award will go to the person who understands and knows how to look for weaknesses in security systems and uses the same knowledge and tools as a malicious hacker, but in a lawful and legitimate manner.

SECURITY LEADER/ MENTOR

The winner of this award will be someone in industry who leads a team or mentors individuals, taking the time to show them the ropes and ensure those coming through the ranks are prepared for the future.

SECURITY LEADER/ MENTOR

CYBERSECURITY WELLBEING ADVOCATE

Cybersecurity can be a stressful industry to work in. In fact, as many as 45% of senior cybersecurity professionals have considered quitting as a result. This award goes to the individual who makes every effort to look after the mental health and general wellbeing of their peers/colleagues.

BEST SECURITY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

In order to increase education on cyber threats and digital behaviours within the workplace, Security Awareness campaigns are often a vital part of getting the message out. This award will honour the campaign and the individuals who organised the campaign.

DIVERSITY CHAMPION

This award will recognise an individual who is pushing for greater diversity and inclusion within the industry – whether they’re advocating for change in recruitment/HR policies, mentoring others, serving as a role model etc.

APPRENTICE/RISING STAR

Our future cyber welfare depends largely on these rising stars. Whether in formal education, under employment or doing extraordinary research of their own, the winner of this category will show great promise with his/her technical or practical ability.

CYBER SCRIBE (BLOGS, NEWSLETTERS)

The *BRAND NEW* Cyber Scribe category will celebrate the cybersecurity industry’s best cyber blog or newsletter, including those published on Medium, Substack or LinkedIn. It’s for spotlighting those who bring insightful commentary and expert analysis to the cyber conversation.

VOICE OF SECURITY (PODCASTS)

This *BRAND NEW* category will celebrate the industry’s best podcasts and vodcasts. Know a podcast that’s informative and entertaining? Seen a vodcast that has thought provoking guests or riveting stories? We want to celebrate them!

CHANNEL CHAMPION

This *BRAND NEW* category celebrates the unsung heroes of the channel! If you know someone who’s gone above and beyond to support partners and customers, champion internal projects that boost morale (and sales) and support colleagues or have taken sales stratospheric in an unconventional way, nominate today!