AISA Cyber Security Awards

See our 2023 Award Winners HERE

As Australia’s peak industry body for information and cyber security, our awards program is designed to recognise excellence, innovation, contribution, development, potential, dedication, diversity, integrity, leadership and achievement in the cyber security sector.

Now in its 11th year, AISA's Cyber Security Awards Program aims to:

  • Build community spirit
  • Promote best practice
  • Encourage member engagement
  • Create awareness of AISA as the peak industry body


STAND OUT IN A COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE BY WINNING AN AISA CYBER SECURITY AWARD

AISA's Cyber Security Awards have become a coveted accolade for organisations and professionals seeking to cement their role in the cyber security industry by showcasing the breadth and depth of talent available, at a time when our country is focussed on developing cyber security as a sovereign capability.

For businesses - securing an AISA Cyber Security Award will set you apart when attracting and retaining the best cyber talent and will strengthen your position when seeking to win cyber projects, contracts.
For individuals - recognition will underpin career advancement and strengthen your position when seeking employment.

Gain national recognition for your contribution towards strengthening Australia's Cyber Security sector and elevate yourself - and your business - above the rest.

With a judging panel of senior leaders, academics, business executives, entrepreneurs, experts and innovators, an AISA Cyber Security Award is a peer-reviewed recognition of your capabilities and achievements.

All businesses and professionals from across Australia’s cyber security sector are encouraged to participate in our prestigious awards program!

At AISA's invitation-only Awards Dinner in Melbourne on Tuesday 17 October 2023, over 600 members of Australia's cyber security industry will attend to celebrate the successes and achievements of their colleagues and peers.

Award nominations open
Award nominations close
Judging commences
Finalists announced
Member voting opens
Member voting closes
AISA award winners announced

Friday 7 July 2023
Monday 21 August 2023
Tuesday 22 August 2023
Monday 25 September 2023
Monday 25 September 2023
Sunday 1 October 2023
Tuesday 17 October 2023
Thank you to all those who nominated in the AISA Cyber Security Awards for 2023. We have received an overwhelming number of outstanding nominations.  Applications have now closed and we are reviewing the nominations. 

2023 Award Categories:

 Professional of the Year

  • Open to a highly motivated and experienced individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, integrity, mentoring and coaching within the cyber security sector to both business peers and new entrants to the industry. All CISOs are encouraged to participate, irrespective of location or company size.

 Rising Star of the Year

  •  Open to individuals with less than three years of industry experience who have made a significant contribution to the field of cyber security. This person has shown potential and dedication to a career in cyber security.

 Tertiary Student of the Year

  •  Open to students enrolled in TAFE or University who have demonstrated outstanding commitment, skill and passion in the field of cyber security. In addition, they encourage and assist other students or the community to improve cyber awareness and safety.

 Enterprise Employer of the Year

  • Open to large enterprises that have demonstrated excellence in promoting cyber safety to their customers, staff, supply chain and the community. This also includes enterprises that have provided training or employment opportunities to a large number of interns or industry based learning students from TAFEs or Universities.
 SMB of the Year
  • Open to a Small to Medium Business with an Australian Business Number (ABN) with turnover less than $2 million per annum (p.a.); or employs less than 20 people who have helped engaged the general community and other businesses to promote and improve cyber security capabilities and maturity in the sector.
  
 Community Education Program of the Year
  • Open to the most innovative and impactful outreach program run by an organisation that is focused on the education of their customers/suppliers resulting in a safer community.
  

Best Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Promoter of the Year

  • Open to the best school, educational institution or program that promotes and encourages 5-25 year olds to enter the field of STEM
  
 Researcher of the Year
  • Open to an individual or team of researchers whose work will greatly improve cyber security safety for the community, organisations and/or individuals. Their discovery will be impactful and lead to additional theoretical or applied discoveries.
  
 Diversity & Inclusion Champion of the Year – NEW
  • A team, company or individual who exemplifies an unyielding commitment to diversity and inclusion
  
 Mentor of the Year - NEW
  • Recognises an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to mentoring or has provided a high level of support and guidance to a student or professional in cyber security
  
 Start-up of the Year
  • Open to an organisation less than 5 years old that has brought to market a unique product innovation around cyber security.
  
 Educator of the Year
  • Open to an education body (TAFE or University) which has developed and implemented a comprehensive, flexible and easily accessible cyber security education program which delivers industry ready graduates to the market
  

FAQs

Who can enter AISA's Cyber Security Awards?
Anyone! AISA's award program is open to all Australian individuals, organisations and businesses. Both members and non-members are welcome as nominees. 

How do I nominate?
Nominating for an AISA award is easy. Simply visit our awards nominations page - you'll need to login as an AISA member. Complete the online nomination form ensuring you answer all the criteria correctly.
A current AISA member must endorse the nomination or be the nominator, however the nominee does not need to be an AISA member. 

Am I able to nominate in several categories?
There are no restrictions on the number of categories you can nominate in or the number of nominations you wish to make, however a separate online submission must be completed for each nomination.
Please note that nominating the same individual, organisation or business in the same category does not increase their chances of success.

Can I self nominate?
Unfortunately not. If you would like to enter the AISA awards, we recommend that a colleague, friend or family member completes the nomination on your behalf.

Is there a fee to submit a nomination?
No, nominating in the AISA awards is FREE. There are no fees or charges involved.

I have completed a nomination. What happens now?
Once you have competed a nomination, you will receive a confirmation email confirming your nomination.
The nominee will receive an email notifying them of the nomination. This notification email will contain details of the nomination and submission process, including who has nominated them.
Your contact details will not be shared with the nominee. The nominee must accept the nomination for the submission to proceed.
A maximum of three finalists per category will be shortlisted.

How are the AISA awards judged?
AISA awards are judged via two step process. Once finalists are determined:
 
1. Members are invited to vote on each category.
2. AISA judging panel

Member voting and the AISA judging panel votes are combined to determine the winner of each category.

Who can view my submission?
All submissions are confidential. Full submissions are seen by the AISA events team and the judging panel. Finalist nominations will be listed for voting within the AISA membership platform. To enable voting, AISA will share the nominee's name, organisation/company and why they were nominated. No personal details will be shared. We may also display the nominee’s photo and bio.

I have accepted my nomination. What happens next?
Congratulations on your nomination. We are delighted you have accepted the nomination. Next steps. Once nominations close (Monday 21 August) AISA will announce award finalists. Your nomination will be shared AISA members for voting. After member voting your nomination will be reviewed by our judging panel for voting. A winner will be determined by combining votes from both AISA members and our judges.

Who are the AISA Award judges?
The AISA Awards are reviewed by an independent judging panel. The panel consists of an AISA Fellow, AISA EAB, AISA Board Member, AISA Operations staff member, and a ASIA Strategic Partner providing a peer-reviewed process.

If you would like further assistance or need more information about the AISA Awards, we are always happy help!
Please email AISA’s Events Manager, Kylie Hatcher [email protected] or call 0417 275 529.

AISA would like to thank our sponsors and supporting partners for their invaluable support.