On Tuesday October 3 2017 St. Bart’s Brewery, London, played host to the 2nd annual Security Serious Unsung Heroes Awards, an evening that celebrates individuals or teams that have consistently demonstrated their dedication to the IT security industry. Each category had several nominees, with Infosecurity Magazine’s deputy editor Michael Hill and contributing editor Dan Raywood both shortlisted in the category of Cyber Writer.
The free event was a chance for the UK security industry to get together, network and enjoy a short awards ceremony compered by the immensely witty Clive Room, chair of the White Hat Ball Committee, who added his usual sense of fun and entertainment to the night.
Awards were given to security veterans and newcomers alike, and there was a special award for the late Stephanie Daman, former CEO of Cyber Security Challenge UK – a friend of many in attendance and a true security leader.
“For those working in information security, it can often be a thankless task; and we as an industry have historically been better at giving recognition to technology vendors,” said lead organizer of Security Serious Week, Yvonne Eskenzi and co-founder of Eskenzi PR. “These awards are completely different and are all about unearthing new talent and rewarding the professionals who make it all come together behind the scenes and keep UK private and public sectors safe from cyber threats. It was all made possible by our wonderful sponsors, so we could throw the best party at no charge to enter or attend the awards.”
The full list if winners included:
Avengers
Winner: National Crime Agency, Cyber Prevent Team
Awareness Campaign
Winner: Aviva Global Security Awareness Team
Runner-up: Royal Mail Information Security and Risk Team
Rising Star
Winner: Audrey Budryte, John Lewis Partnership
Runner-up: Thomas Seidling, CyberSmart
Security Leader
Winner: Nick Coleman, IBM
Runner-up: Stephanie Daman, Cyber Security Challenge UK
Educator
Winner: Tania Brooks, Inscape House School
Captain Compliance
Winner: Rowenna Fielding, Protecture Ltd
Cyber Writer
Winner: Rene Millman, freelance
Runner-up: Bennett Arron, TV writer/comedian
CISO Supremo – Finance
Winner David King, Legal & General
Runner-Up: Matt Johnson, Visa
CISO Supremo – CNI
Winner: Ray Stanton, National Grid
CISO Supremo – Media & Entertainment
Winner: Brian Brackenborough, Channel 4
CISO Supremo – Manufacturing
Winner: Spencer Summons, Tullow Oil
CISO Supremo – Telecoms
Winner: Nick Ryce, Commsworld
CISO Supremo – Charity
Winner: Martyn Croft, The Salvation Army
Runner-up: Gabe Chomic, Information Systems Security Association
CISO Supremo – Retail
Winner: Steve Wright, John Lewis
Fraud Fighter
Winner: Sean O’Neil, Bedfordshire Police
Godfather
Winner: Prof. Edward Humphreys, father of ISO 27001
Runner up: Pauline Neville-Jones