CBA to recognise Australia's brightest cyber talents

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia is now accepting entries for the CommBank Cyber Community Awards, which recognises the innovators, entrepreneurs, and mentors who are dedicated to helping Australians be more cyber-safe.

More than 10,000 in prizes will be awarded to the people and teams strengthening the cyber industry. Awards will be given out in five categories, with $2,000 to be given away to the winner of each category and $500 to runners-up.

“Cybersecurity is growing more important to Australians,” said Keith Howard, CBA chief information security officer. “Every day, our customers tell us they’re concerned about constantly evolving cyber threats. The people in the cyber industry are doing vital work to protect all of us, and the CommBank Cyber Community Awards seek to champion their accomplishments.”

The award categories are as follows:

• Rising Star Award, which recognises a person who is less than three years into their cybersecurity career and is already having an impact in the industry
• Community Innovator Award, which recognises a person or a startup that shows creativity and entrepreneurship by working to solve a problem plaguing the cybersecurity community
• Against the Odds Award, which will be given to a person who has persevered in their cyber career in the face of hardship, and has not been afraid to fail to achieve long-term success
• Inspirational Mentor Award, which acknowledges the impact of a mentor who has actively sought mentoring relationships beyond their day-to-day role
• Diversity and Inclusion Champion Award, which recognises a person who has worked to make the cyber industry more diverse and inclusive

“The CommBank Cyber Community Awards cover these five categories because they capture the breadth of the talent, dedication, and achievement across the cyber industry — not only those on the frontlines, but those working to strengthen the cyber community as a whole,” Howard said. “These awards are our way of celebrating this community. The award categories acknowledge the dedication and impact that individuals within the cyber industry have on keeping Australians safe and secure.”

The entry period is extended until Oct. 9. Visit the CommBank Cyber Community Awards site for full details about the competition, and to find out how to enter or nominate someone.