Women in Security: Awards honour cybersecurity pioneers

The inauguralWomen in Security Conference Awards provided a much-needed opportunity to “honour the women and young women who are kicking goals in what has traditionally been a really male-dominated industry,” Victorian member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the Eastern Victoria Region Jane Garrett said in opening the award proceedings this week.

Garrett, who served as Mayor of Yarra before an eight-year run representing Brunswick in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, said women-focused events were “invaluable” in helping women expand their professional support networks – and making cybersecurity a more welcoming industry for the skills they bring to the table.

“You’re here supporting each other and giving much-needed encouragement and advice,” she said, “about how you make the jobs better and bigger – and how to get more women in the door.”

“Men have been networking and doing these things naturally for a very long time,” she added. “What’s very important is that as women we observe that, learn, do it our way – but do it nonetheless.”

The awards – which, along with the conference, formed part of Victoria’s two-week Digital Innovation Festival– attracted 323 nominations relating to 183 individuals. A team of 15 judges delivered 45 finalists across 11 categories, with LinkedIn posts promoting the event receiving over 347,000 views.

Congratulations to all winners, finalists, and everyone who contributed to make the event a resounding success!

Please note that in the coming weeks, you will hear about the individuals, and their nominations.