The Best Use of AI in Cybersecurity award celebrates groundbreaking AI-driven solutions that exemplify innovation, effectiveness, and tangible value. This award recognises entries that have leveraged cloud-based AI technologies to unlock new opportunities, streamline operations, and transform decision-making across industries. Honorees in this category demonstrate exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and measurable impact in addressing complex challenges, driving meaningful business transformations, and delivering significant benefits to organisations and wider society. From developing AI-powered applications to integrating AI into existing services and platforms, this category showcases the remarkable potential of AI solutions to reshape industries, inspire new possibilities, and set new standards for technological progress.

Nomination Questions:

1. Describe the AI solution and its purpose.
   What specific challenge or opportunity does it address, and what makes this solution particularly innovative?
2. How has this AI solution demonstrated effectiveness and delivered tangible value?
   Provide examples of measurable outcomes, such as improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced decision-making, or other key benefits to the organization or wider society.
3. What sets this AI solution apart in terms of creativity and ingenuity?
   Highlight any unique design elements, novel methodologies, or advanced features that make it an exceptional example of AI application.

The AI in Cybersecurity Champion Award celebrates an individual at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence into cybersecurity. This award honors innovators who leverage AI-driven strategies and tools to enhance security frameworks, protect digital landscapes, and anticipate emerging cyber threats. Recognising trailblazers who combine expertise in both cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, this accolade acknowledges their contributions to advancing industry standards, streamlining threat detection, and setting new precedents in AI-powered defense.

Nomination Questions:

1. How has your nominee demonstrated leadership in applying AI within cybersecurity?
   Describe their approach to integrating AI in the industry or organisation, and how it has transformed existing cybersecurity practices.
2. In what ways has your nominee’s work with AI-driven cybersecurity influenced or advanced the field?
   Share specific achievements and innovations that highlight the nominee’s impact on enhancing cyber defenses through AI.
3. What significant outcomes have resulted from your nominee’s application of AI in cybersecurity?
   Provide examples where their contributions have led to measurable advancements, efficiencies, or improved resilience against cyber threats.
4. Describe the challenges your nominee faced while implementing AI in cybersecurity and the strategies they used to overcome them.
   Outline any obstacles encountered, such as technical limitations, industry resistance, or resource constraints, and how they addressed these.
5. How does your nominee showcase forward-thinking and innovation in AI for cybersecurity?
   Detail specific initiatives or projects that underscore their commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI applications within the field.
6. Why does your nominee stand out as an AI in Cybersecurity Champion?
   Consider their contributions’ originality, complexity, and lasting impact. What distinguishes them as an exceptional advocate for AI in cybersecurity?

This award aims to recognise outstanding efforts by both individuals and organisations that have surpassed their formal roles to support, champion, and empower neurodivergent individuals within the field of cybersecurity.

Individuals or organisations nominated for this category will be acknowledged for their remarkable contributions and achievements in fostering the progress and success of neurodivergent individuals in the realm of cybersecurity. This recognition celebrates their commitment to extending diversity, equity, and inclusion, positioning them as true ‘Cybersecurity Champions.’

Nomination Questions

• In what ways does your nominee serve as a role model for fostering neurodivergent inclusion and a sense of belonging, either within the security industry or your organisation?
• Please elaborate on the changes initiated by your nominee that you believe showcase their impactful contributions to enhancing the sense of belonging for neurodivergent individuals, whether in the industry, the field of security, or within your specific organisation.
• Could you share the most significant positive learnings, outcomes, and success stories resulting from these changes spearheaded by your nominee?
• How is your nominee exemplifying leadership, excellence, and/or innovation in driving changes related to inclusion and equity, particularly concerning neurodivergent individuals?
• What aspects of your nominee’s efforts make them deserving of this award? Consider factors such as the quality, scale, and the level of difficulty in achieving the changes they have implemented.

Security convergence is the strategic integration of physical security and information security within an organisation, breaking down silos to create unified teams and strategies. This award, recognises an individual who excels in balancing the convergence of digital and physical security. The awardee will possess the knowledge to identify challenges that arise when dealing with both cyber and physical security, demonstrating an exceptional ability to integrate the management of these domains within their organisation and the respective teams responsible for each.

Nomination Questions: maybe?

• Describe how the nominee has demonstrated expertise in integrating digital and physical security within their organisation. Highlight specific instances or projects that showcase their ability to converge security strategies.
• Explain how the nominee recognises and addresses the distinct challenges that arise when dealing with both cyber and physical security. Provide examples of their proactive approach to managing these challenges.
• Discuss how the nominee brings together the teams responsible for physical and cyber security. Outline their methods for fostering collaboration, communication, and cohesion between these traditionally separate disciplines.
• Share notable achievements resulting from the nominee’s efforts in converging digital and physical security. Highlight outcomes that demonstrate enhanced security resilience and effectiveness.
• Explore the nominee’s contributions to advancing the concept of security convergence. Discuss any innovative approaches, technologies, or strategies they have implemented to push the boundaries of converged security.
• If known, provide the nominee’s pronouns to ensure their inclusion in the category recognising women and non-binary individuals. Discuss how the nominee promotes inclusivity and diversity within the context of converged security resilience.

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.’

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?

Champions of Change in Cybersecurity Award

Formerly recognised as the ‘Male Champion of Change,’ this distinguished award now celebrates both male and non-binary champions of change actively committed to dismantling entrenched gender-based discrimination and bias within their workplace. These champions also play a pivotal role in promoting equality throughout the Cybersecurity industry. Awardees will be those who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to and achieved significant milestones in fostering inclusivity and gender equality.

Nomination Questions:

• Describe the nominee’s formal role in the industry and outline specific initiatives they have undertaken to address gender-related issues, both within and outside your organisation.
• Provide indicators of the success of the nominee’s achievements. Include details on sustainable changes within their organisation and whether their initiatives have been adopted by others in the industry.
• Outline the challenges the nominee has faced in executing their championing initiatives. Describe how they navigated and surmounted these challenges.
• Share specific examples of how women have benefited from the nominee’s initiatives. Highlight positive outcomes and improvements directly resulting from their efforts.
• Explore the motivations that led the nominee to become a champion of change. For self-nominations, elucidate the personal commitment and driving factors behind their advocacy for gender equality.