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A host of specialist New Zealand security firms, banks, public sector agencies, non-profits and professionals have been honoured during the fourth annual iSANZ Awards.
Held in Wellington, the iSANZ Awards recognise the “exceptional people and organisations” contributing expertise and insight in improving and benefiting the nation’s digital security.
“Modern cyber security approaches are, by necessity, flexible and agile,” said Kendra Ross, chair of the board at iSANZ. “They have to be, to respond to the always-changing nature and frequency of malicious cyber attacks.”
According to Ross, entries received this year “underscore the high standard, variety and innovation” of the people and businesses working in such a fashion across New Zealand’s information security sector.
“We’ve again been hugely impressed by the accomplishments and achievements of all our entrants, finalists and winners,” Ross added. “It reinforces the depth of InfoSec talent in New Zealand and the seriousness with which cybersecurity awareness is taken.”
2018 iSANZ Awards winners are:
Best Security Project / Initiative: GCSB (Cortex)
Using threat information from a range of sources, CORTEX focuses on countering complex and persistent foreign-sourced malware. The judges commented on the significance and complexity of the initiative, also noting its national importance to both the public and private sector.
Best Security Awareness Campaign: ANZ (Cyber Ambassador Programme)
A total of 37 cyber-savvy staff were placed across ANZ sites to reinforce good cyber security behaviour. Refreshed awareness content was put together - promoted internally and with customers. The judges were impressed, commenting that ANZ has built on the success of previous campaigns and is committed to year-round security awareness.
In this category, a Judge’s Commendation was also given to healthAlliance for its Northern Region DHB Cyber Safety Campaign.
Best Security Company: Aura Information Security
Aura stood out for the breadth and depth of its cyber security consulting services; plus its dedicated research function, training (including tertiary support, internships and mentoring), and strong emphasis on community outreach and stakeholder engagement.
Best Start-up or New Business: Defend
Launched in 2017, Auckland-based Defend offers a services model that protects people, processes and technology. Defend stood out for its holistic approach - helping make cyber security a natural part of their client’s thinking, considering cybersecurity from the executive’s perspective, and giving back to the industry.
Up-and-coming Cybersecurity Star: Daniel Underhay (Aura Information Security)
Daniel has worked in the New Zealand security community for two and a half years. In that time, he has displayed technical leadership, excelled on a global stage and demonstrated exceptional innovation through Project Walrus – an Android app for contactless card cloning devices.
In this category, the judges also made special mention of Craig Scoon from Deloitte NZ and the exceptional talent presented in his nomination.
Hall of Fame Award: New Zealand Internet Task Force (NZITF)
For 10 years, the New Zealand Internet Task Force has dedicated itself to improving the cyber security posture of New Zealand. The non-profit has made substantial contributions to cybersecurity training, outreach and information sharing - including consulting with Government on cyber security, running public response activities and developing coordinated disclosure guidelines that have now been adopted by many major enterprises and government agencies.
