AISA Awards 2025 honour leaders shaping Australia’s cyber security

The Australian Information Security Association has revealed the winners of the 2025 AISA Awards, recognising significant contributors in the field of cyber security across Australia.

The annual AISA Awards aim to acknowledge both individuals and organisations that have demonstrated distinction and leadership in promoting cyber security, workforce development, and community awareness within the digital sector. A variety of categories highlight areas such as enterprise excellence, research, community education, diversity, and professional achievement.

Winners unveiled

The 2025 awards highlighted several organisations and individuals for their impact. The Enterprise Employer of the Year award was presented to nbn, cited for demonstrating outstanding leadership in cyber security practices and setting industry benchmarks.

In the small business category, Solution Tech was honoured as SMB of the Year for its role in advancing cyber resilience within its sector and community. MyCISO received the Start-up of the Year award for its emergence as an innovator with potential for national and international influence in cyber security.

Promoting public engagement and awareness, IDCare was awarded Community Education Programme of the Year for its program delivering accessible and actionable cyber security knowledge. Angela An was named Researcher of the Year, celebrating research contributions that have advanced the cyber security profession.

Supporting STEM and education

North Metropolitan TAFE received recognition as Best STEM Promoter of the Year for its efforts in advocating for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics pathways into cyber careers. The Cyber Skills Enrichment Programme was awarded Educator of the Year for initiatives seen as exemplifying excellence in cyber education and training.

Diversity and leadership acknowledged

"Cyber threats are accelerating in both scale and sophistication. To meet this escalating challenge, we urgently need more people with the skills and passion to defend our digital systems. Women and First Nations peoples remain significantly underrepresented in cyber and these scholarships are our direct action to powerfully address these gaps."

This statement from Michael Burchell, Chair of AISA, accompanied a focus on diversity in the sector. Daisy Wong was announced as Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year for her leadership in creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in cyber security.

On mentorship, Peter Gigengack was honoured as Mentor of the Year for providing guidance and support to peers in the profession. Ziqiang Xu was named Tertiary Student of the Year, highlighting promise and leadership from those pursuing studies in cyber disciplines.

Recognising rising and established talent

Subi Shrestha was named Rising Star of the Year for delivering exceptional capability and leadership potential early in her career. For sustained contributions, Will Luker was awarded Professional of the Year in recognition of industry influence and expertise.

The Outstanding Contributor to Cyber Security award went to Shane Tully, whose efforts have furthered the advancement of the discipline nationally. Volunteers and advocates within AISA were also acknowledged, with Richard Magalad receiving Volunteer of the Year and Amit Chaubey recognised for Outstanding Contribution to AISA.

Endorsement from association chair

The ceremony was attended by over 5,000 delegates, underlining the broad interest and importance of cyber security in the Australian context. Michael Burchell commented on the significance of the awards and their recipients:

"AISA is proud to recognise and celebrate the people and organisations who go above and beyond to protect Australia's digital landscape. Their work strengthens not only the industry, but also the communities and businesses that rely on secure and trusted systems every day."

The comprehensive list of awardees reflects achievements spanning education, professional practice, community support, research, and industry advancement, as cyber security becomes increasingly central to both business and societal resilience across the country.