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    2024 Cyber Excellence Awards

    The Cyber Excellence Awards aim to honor those who have distinguished themselves through their exceptional commitment, passion, and excellence in cybersecurity. By supporting these awards, you contribute to shining a spotlight on the exceptional talent and dedication that form the backbone of our cyber defense. Below you will see the finalists for each category as well as the 2024  winners who were announced at the 2024 CybersecCon Gala Dinner.  We would like to thank Mimecast for helping make the Cyber Excellence Awards possible in 2024 and again say congratulations to all those who made it as finalists. We are committed maintaining the tradition of honoring the contributions of those in the field of cybersecurity, recognizing the crucial roles people play in maintaining our digital security. Thank you for all those who work so hard to keep us safe! We look forward to hosting the 2025 Cyber Excellence Awards and encourage everyone to make nominations! 

    2024 CYBER EXCELLENCE PHOTOS

    SEE AWARDS NIGHT PHOTOS HERE

    2024 CYBER EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALISTS

    CISO of the Year

    Shining the light on outstanding leadership in cybersecurity, this award showcases the vital role CISOs play in protecting organizations from digital threats. This award highlights innovative strategies and excellence, inspiring other professionals to strive for high standards in the field. Celebrating a top CISO emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in maintaining organizational resilience and attracting top talent. Ultimately, the award supports a more secure digital future by acknowledging those who excel in safeguarding data and infrastructure.

    2024 CISO OF THE YEAR WINNER

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    Andrew Choat - MTF Finance

    A Security Maestro of safety and efficiency with an eclectic blend of talents and experiences! From orchestrating symphonies of cybersecurity to navigating the complex waters of commercial seafaring, a seasoned professional and more than just an accomplished security leader.

    Someone who not only understands the intricate chords of banking, finance, and insurance but also knows how to hit the right notes in travel, government, and public transport sectors. With a background that spans technology, music, broadcasting, and even a Ferry Captain!

    Andrew has fine-tuned his skills to streamline operations, enhance security, and drive excellence, all while maintaining an infectious enthusiasm that motivates everyone around them. Whether solving complex security puzzles or adding a touch of flair to everyday operations, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that every system runs smoothly and every challenge is met with a dynamic, upbeat approach.

    Andrew doesn’t just lead security, he composes a symphony of success!

    CISO OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

    rpt
    Andrew Choat - MTF Finance

    A Security Maestro of safety and efficiency with an eclectic blend of talents and experiences! From orchestrating symphonies of cybersecurity to navigating the complex waters of commercial seafaring, a seasoned professional and more than just an accomplished security leader.

    Someone who not only understands the intricate chords of banking, finance, and insurance but also knows how to hit the right notes in travel, government, and public transport sectors. With a background that spans technology, music, broadcasting, and even a Ferry Captain!

    Andrew has fine-tuned his skills to streamline operations, enhance security, and drive excellence, all while maintaining an infectious enthusiasm that motivates everyone around them. Whether solving complex security puzzles or adding a touch of flair to everyday operations, he has dedicated himself to ensuring that every system runs smoothly and every challenge is met with a dynamic, upbeat approach.

    Andrew doesn’t just lead security, he composes a symphony of success!

    Darren Beattie_web
    Darren Beattie - Tower Insurance

    Darren is a seasoned security professional with over 30 years’ experience, starting with 12 years in the UK military dealing with crypto and communications security. Head hunted in 2007, took the step and became a senior firewall specialist for Telecom NZ (now Spark NZ). Darren has been with Tower Insurance for 6 years and has spent the past couple of years as the Head of Information Security, being responsible for all aspects of cyber security across the NZ and Pacific Islands operations. Being a thought leader in cyber, Darren encourages businesses to take leading edge approaches in cyber technology and processes, whilst instilling good governance across the business.

    Will Reid-WEb
    Neil Clarke - MOTAT

    Originally from Auckland, Neil returned in 2004 with a wife and child having lived around The World for 32 years. He’s been a McDonald’s guy in Newcastle, England; a Charity worker in Tirana, Albania; a Maths Teacher in Nassau, Bahamas and for the past 20 years in IT, back home in NZ. His 2 main IT roles in Auckland have been Infrastructure Manager for Westfield New Zealand and Head of ICT for MOTAT. In 8 years at MOTAT has been part of the huge transformation that now sees the museum recognised with national and international awards.
    He has recently become an author, releasing “Time May Never Tell – A Time Travel Murder Mystery” under the pen name Will Reid. When not walking his Golden Labrador he loves cycling, growing fruit and barbecuing in the back garden, as well as watching good movies and sport. His knees are beyond playing anymore, after 45 years of football. Of course, the travel bug never died – it has just laid dormant for a while.

    Pranesh-profile-web
    Pranesh Gounder - Armourguard

    Pranesh Gounder is a loyal and ethical IT professional at Armourguard Security, where he has served for 20 years. He supports both New Zealand and Fiji businesses, ensuring that Armourguard’s systems and data are secure, from end users in the field to back-end infrastructure. His role encompasses the full spectrum of security measures, known for his clear communication, Pranesh plays a critical role in enabling the business to perform efficiently while safeguarding its operations.

    CyberSec Woman of the Year

    As more women turn to careers in cybersecurity, it is important to celebrate the contributions and achievements of exceptional pioneering women in the cybersecurity field. This award brings the spotlight on often modest role models who inspired as they paved the way. Recognizing the unique perspectives and innovations women bring to the field strengthens the industry as a whole and supports the ongoing effort to enhance cybersecurity for organizations and society. Ultimately, this award champions women's progress and excellence in the cybersecurity profession.

    2024 CYBERSECURITY WOMAN OF THE YEAR

    Catherine Cooper- Photo
    Catherine Cooper - Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora

    Catherine is an experienced crisis manager who transitioned from handling some of New Zealand’s largest emergency events to Cyber Incident Management four years ago.

    In 2020, she established Incident Response Management for Health Alliance, leveraging co-design, creative thinking, and a people-centred approach to transform the nationwide delivery of cyber security incident response across Health New Zealand.

    By integrating Coordinated Incident Management into cyber security practices, Catherine has enabled Health New Zealand to take a holistic, sector-wide approach to response capability, collaborating with teams across the health sector to protect the most vulnerable from cyber-attacks.

    Beyond actively managing Cyber Response efforts, Catherine leads projects to strengthen response capabilities across the Health NZ workforce and Sector. She is currently focused on the “Workforce Readiness”  Initiative, aimed at Transforming Health NZ to be workforce ready for response nationally, regionally, and locally.

    Catherine has also partnered with PHO’s to co-design the Response Ready Playbook for Primary Health and has recently launched the “Women in Cyber” initiative at Health NZ, designed to support and provide mentorship for women in cyber security and privacy teams.

    CYBERSEC WOMAN OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

    Ayesha Lata
    Ayesha Lata - Fiji National University

    With over 18 years of experience in the ever-evolving world of technology, Ayesha Lata has built a dynamic and impactful career. Starting as a Network Technician, she has advanced through roles as a Network Administrator, Network Security Engineer, and now serves as a Security Solutions Engineer at a prestigious university.

    Ayesha’s passion for technology has driven her to specialize in cybersecurity, an area where she excels in protecting digital infrastructures from increasingly complex threats. Her expertise combines technical proficiency with a deep understanding of user needs, allowing her to design security solutions that not only safeguard but also enhance the user experience.

    As a problem solver with a curious mind, Ayesha thrives on the challenges posed by cybersecurity, ensuring the networks she manages remain secure while performing optimally. Her dedication to continuous learning has been key to her success, enabling her to adapt and stay ahead in an industry that demands constant innovation.

    Beyond her technical skills, Ayesha is a strong advocate for collaboration and knowledge-sharing. She believes in the power of collective expertise and is always open to new connections and opportunities to contribute to the field of IT and cybersecurity.

    In a career marked by versatility and a passion for staying at the forefront of tech trends, Ayesha Lata continues to be a leader and role model for women in cybersecurity.

    Catherine Cooper- Photo
    Catherine Cooper - Health NZ - Te Whatu Ora

    Catherine is an experienced crisis manager who transitioned from handling some of New Zealand’s largest emergency events to Cyber Incident Management four years ago.

    In 2020, she established Incident Response Management for Health Alliance, leveraging co-design, creative thinking, and a people-centred approach to transform the nationwide delivery of cyber security incident response across Health New Zealand.

    By integrating Coordinated Incident Management into cyber security practices, Catherine has enabled Health New Zealand to take a holistic, sector-wide approach to response capability, collaborating with teams across the health sector to protect the most vulnerable from cyber-attacks.

    Beyond actively managing Cyber Response efforts, Catherine leads projects to strengthen response capabilities across the Health NZ workforce and Sector. She is currently focused on the “Workforce Readiness”  Initiative, aimed at Transforming Health NZ to be workforce ready for response nationally, regionally, and locally.

    Catherine has also partnered with PHO’s to co-design the Response Ready Playbook for Primary Health and has recently launched the “Women in Cyber” initiative at Health NZ, designed to support and provide mentorship for women in cyber security and privacy teams.

    Ksenia Krylov
    Ksenia Krylov - Datacom

    Ksenia is a key player in the tech industry and working as a Product Specialist, shes at the center of it all. On one hand, she ensures that customers’ network solutions are optimized and secure. She typically assesses clients’ environments, offers technical expertise, and recommends products that enhance secure network performance while protecting against threats and attacks. Ksenia closely collaborates with partners, vendors, sales teams, engineers, solution architects, and other teams to ensure client needs are met and issues are resolved or minimized. On the other hand, she acts as an anchor for customers and businesses by providing education on the latest tech updates, trends, and developments. Strong communication, an analytical mindset and top level problem-solving skills are essential in her role.

    Melonie Cole WEB
    Melonie Cole - Mindshift

    An award-winning entrepreneur, Melonie transitioned from senior roles in publishing and telecommunications to establish a boutique cybersecurity training business called Mindshift. Her journey is a testament to how passion for communication and a desire to difference can lead to pioneering in the cybersecurity space. 

    SOC Analyst of the Year

    This award honors exceptional individuals who play a critical role in identifying, analyzing, and responding to cyber threats in real-time. By recognizing top SOC analysts, the award highlights the importance of their expertise and dedication in protecting organizations from potential breaches.

    Subhathra Paramasivam
    Subhathra Paramasivam – Datacom

    Subhathra Paramasivam – Datacom

    Cyber Security Analyst – L2

    Subhathra Paramasivam is a passionate cybersecurity expert with over 4 years of experience, specializing in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Automation. She excels in designing, implementing, and refining DLP policies across email, endpoint, web, and cloud environments, ensuring they meet enterprise-specific security requirements.

    Subhathra has automated 25+ processes using Python and PHP, including reports, dashboards, and trackers, significantly improving operational efficiency. With a strong foundation in security operations, she is adept at incident monitoring, response, and has played an integral role in internal and external audits as well as Proof of Concept (POC) projects.

    Her expertise extends to network, memory, and host analysis, using tools like Zeek, Volatility, and Wireshark. Subhathra also brings comprehensive experience with SIEM tools like Splunk and ArcSight, contributing to effective SOC operations and strengthening cybersecurity posture to mitigate threats.

    SOC ANALYST OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

    Dan Reichenbach Bio Pic
    Dan Reichenbach - Tower Insurance

    Dan Reichenbach is a seasoned Security Analyst with extensive experience in the field of cybersecurity. Over the years, he has developed a deep understanding of network security, threat analysis, and incident response. Dan’s expertise lies in identifying vulnerabilities, mitigating risks, and implementing robust security measures to protect sensitive information.

    He began his IT career 10 years ago working for MSP’s as a Desktop engineer and Service desk analyst . Then moved into cybersecurity when SOC teams were relatively new and after studying that field gained industry-recognized certifications

    His primary role for 4 years was as an analyst at Tower Insurance performing security monitoring and event correlation of incidents

    Automating and optimizing security controls and technologies .Performing system administration on specialized cyber defence applications and systems .

    Just recently he was promoted to that of Security Operations specialist helping Tower strengthen their security posture by improving Operational Security processes and procedures, Investigating new security technologies and processes to enhance security capabilities, and mentoring new members of their SOC team.

    Dan is known for his analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to stay ahead of emerging threats .

    In addition to his technical skills, Dan is a strong advocate for cybersecurity awareness and education. He frequently organises Threat simulations and trainings to educate employees and stakeholders about best practices in cybersecurity.

    outside of work, Dan enjoys staying updated with the latest trends in technology and cybersecurity, a coach and manager of his sons football team and Rally driver.

    His dedication to the field and his continuous pursuit of knowledge make him a valuable asset in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity.

    Nadeem Shah
    Nadeem Shah - Fiji Airways

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    Oliver Sherwin - MTF Finance

    After nearly ten years in the industry, Oliver has built a passion for developing  a culture of strong cyber security in every workplace. He is deeply committed to building companywide awareness of the most up to date practices and practising security as a company culture. His latest achievements include moving MTF Finance from ADFS authentication to a more secure and up-to-date Azure-managed authentication. Through his meticulous attention to detail, this shift was managed seamlessly for all with a high level of confidence. He has also scoped and implemented Mobile Application management to fit the company’s need for secure but flexible access to company data.  Additionally, Oliver has previously managed large-scale migrations of systems, and implemented full DMARC, DKIM, and SPF on MTF’s exchange. These are part of Oliver’s drive for improving the systems of security across his whole company. 

    Subhathra Paramasivam
    Subhathra Paramasivam – Datacom

    Subhathra Paramasivam – Datacom

    Cyber Security Analyst – L2

    Subhathra Paramasivam is a passionate cybersecurity expert with over 4 years of experience, specializing in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Automation. She excels in designing, implementing, and refining DLP policies across email, endpoint, web, and cloud environments, ensuring they meet enterprise-specific security requirements.

    Subhathra has automated 25+ processes using Python and PHP, including reports, dashboards, and trackers, significantly improving operational efficiency. With a strong foundation in security operations, she is adept at incident monitoring, response, and has played an integral role in internal and external audits as well as Proof of Concept (POC) projects.

    Her expertise extends to network, memory, and host analysis, using tools like Zeek, Volatility, and Wireshark. Subhathra also brings comprehensive experience with SIEM tools like Splunk and ArcSight, contributing to effective SOC operations and strengthening cybersecurity posture to mitigate threats.

    CyberSec Team of the Year

    Recognizing top cybersecurity teams emphasizes the value of teamwork, collaboration and specialized knowledge in protecting organizations from cyber threats. By showcasing exceptional teams, the award celebrates those who worked collaboratively to strengthen defenses against digital threats. The award promotes heightened safety and security in the digital realm in thanks to team work!

    Securecom

    Securecom

    CYBERSEC TEAM OF THE YEAR FINALISTS

    Datacom-web

    Datacom

    Securecom

    Securecom

    tait

    Tait Communications

    the-instillery

    The Instillery

    2024 CHILLISOFT PARTNER AWARD Winners

    We would also like to congratulate the winners of respective partner awards! 

    2024 Qualys NZ Partner of the Year

    SSS

    2024 ESET NZ Partner of the Year

    VT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

    2024 Imperva NZ Partner of the Year

    BTG

    2024 Mimecast NZ Partner of the Year

    DATACOM NZ

    2024 Mimecast Emerging Market Partner

    VT TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

    2023 Winners

    2023 CISO of the Year

    Tony Allwood, Silver Fern Farms

    2023 CyberSec Woman of the Year

    Nancy Taneja, Health NZ – Te Whatu Ora

    2023 SOC Analyst of the Year

    Fraser Dawson, Mainfreight

    Meet the 2024 Judges

    Nancy Taneja
    Nancy Taneja - Chief Information Officer (Toyota New Zealand Limited)

     In her former roles, Nancy has worked as Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Technology Officer.

    Nancy is a seasoned technology and security leader with more than 20 years of global work experience. Over the last eight years she has worked extensively in NZ healthcare sector on transformation technology and security initiatives. She was also involved with secure AI deployment at an enterprise level.

    For her work on cyber security and partnerships she received the NZ Cybersec Woman of the Year excellence award in 2023.

    “I love technology in all shapes, forms and sizes. As a fervent technologist, I am deeply entrenched in the ever-evolving landscape of innovation, and I relish the challenges that technology presents, security being one of the biggest of them all.

    Yet my passion extends beyond the confines of technology and security. Contributing to the community is my compass. For me, the true enchantment of technology lies in its capacity to connect us and empower us.”, she says.

    Pierro
    Pierro Liebenberg - Tech Director & Security Architect (Chillisoft)

    Pierro is a senior technical manager and cybersecurity architect with more than 28 years’ experience in the IT industry across Cyber Security, Cloud, Infrastructure & Hyperconverged Technologies, IT Support and Professional Services. He has delivered solutions to various multinational and international companies spanning finance, government, utilities  and retail.  

    Tony Allwood
    Tony Allwood - Cybersecurity Manager (Silver Fern Farms)

    Tony is the Head of Security for Silver Fern Farms and has over 30 years experience working in technology. He is passionate about helping organisations and staff improve security and believes that a good security culture can be an enabler that provides many benefits to an organisation

    Josh_Corp Photo-square
    Josh Gardner | Mimecast Channel Account Manager

    Joshua Gardner has over 20 years’ experience across the channel ecosystem with a background in cybersecurity, network infrastructure and cloud, built from roles across vendors, distribution and partners. Currently serving as Distribution Manager at Mimecast for ANZ, Joshua is responsible for managing distribution channels, leveraging his expertise to drive channel growth and development across the partner ecosystem.

    Paul Digby Profile Pic
    Paul Digby - Qualys | Channel Sales Director

    Having lived and worked in UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Singapore and ANZ, Paul has held executive & leadership roles, across Cyber Security, ICT, Telecommunications, FSI and logistics, though always in B2B – where he relishes the complexities & nuances of the market. ‘Things are seldom black or white in B2B. Where’s there’s grey there’s gold!’

     

    Currently owning & leading out Qualys’ ‘Channel First” ANZ regional channel strategy, with a ‘Quality over Quantity’ partnering philosophy and working closely with Qualys’ exclusive NZ distribution partner Chillisoft, has seen revenue and margin growth out-perform the market.

     

    Paul is passionate about cutting through the all too often, self-induced complexities in the vendor and channel world, to provide Partners and End-Customers with a compelling and differentiated value proposition, that above all else, is relevant to them.  

    Key to Paul’s success is a collaborative & entrepreneurial spirit, high integrity, reputation, and professionalism.

     

    SPONSOR

    Thank you to Mimecast for sponsoring the 2024 Cyber Excellence Awards. 

    2024 CYBER EXCELLENCE AWARDS PHOTOS
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