Cyber Security Awards Celebrate Excellence and Innovation
Over 550 members of Australia’s cyber security community gathered tonight at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre to celebrate the 2024 Australian Information Security Association (AISA) Cyber Security Awards.
The annual event, now in its 12th year, honoured outstanding achievements and contributions in the cyber security sector, showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation that supports Australia’s sovereign cyber capabilities.
This year saw a record-breaking 260 nominations, with 39 finalists shortlisted for their remarkable contributions to the industry. Demonstrating the community's engagement, over 1,800 members voted to recognise the individuals and organisations driving Australia's cyber security forward.
The AISA awards program highlights excellence, innovation, leadership, and dedication across a diverse range of categories. Judged by esteemed leaders, academics, and industry experts, the awards showcase the talent and innovation advancing Australia’s cyber security capabilities.
2024 AISA Cyber Security Award Winners
- Enterprise Employer of the Year: nbn
Recognising excellence in promoting cyber safety, workforce training, and community engagement.
- SMB of the Year: Phronesis Security
Celebrating significant contributions to cyber security awareness and capability.
- Start-up of the Year: Gathid
Awarded for bringing unique, innovative solutions to market.
- Community Education Program of the Year: Kids SecuriDay
Honouring impactful outreach programs improving community cyber safety.
- Researcher of the Year: Associate Professor William Yeoh
Recognising ground breaking research with real-world impacts.
- Educator of the Year: RMIT School of Science Cyber Security
An education body which has developed and implemented a cyber security education program
- Best STEM Promoter: Kids SecuriDay
Program that promotes and encourages students to enter the field of STEM
- Mentor of the Year: Paula Sillars
An induvial who has made a outstanding contribution to mentoring or guidance to a student or professional in cyber security
- Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year: Darren Kane
Celebrating leadership in fostering diversity and inclusion in the sector.
- Tertiary Student of the Year: Eleni Lykopandis
Student enrolled in TAFE or University who has demonstrated commitment, passion and skills in cyber security.
- Rising Star of the Year: James Spencer
An individual with less than three years of experience who is making a significant contribution to the field of security
- AISA Volunteer of the Year: Jasmine McCrudden, NSW Branch
Honours and recognises an exceptional volunteer for AISA
- Outstanding Contribution to AISA: Emily Wingard
Recognises the high calibre, long term and outstanding contributions of a branch executive
- Professional of the Year: Sam Fariborz
Highlighting outstanding leadership and mentoring within the industry.
- Outstanding Contributor to Cyber Security: Ben Doyle
Awarded for a career marked by resilience and dedication to organisational security.
AISA Chair, Akash Mittal, applauded the winners for their exceptional achievements:
"These awards celebrate the incredible talent and commitment within Australia’s cyber security industry. The contributions of tonight’s winners and finalists are critical to building a secure and resilient digital future."
The evening reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and education in Australia’s evolving cyber landscape. Standout achievements, such as Kids SecuriDay winning both Best STEM Promoter and Community Education Program of the Year, showcase the power of outreach and engagement in nurturing the next generation of cyber security professionals.