Published on the 14/11/2018 | Written by Heather Wright

NZ security awards highlight Kiwi cybersecurity efforts…

A GCSB initiative to counter complex and persistent foreign-sourced malware and the ANZ bank’s work to raise awareness of good cybersecurity behaviour were among the winners at last night’s iSANZ information security awards.

The annual awards, now in their fourth year, honour organisations and individuals for their contributions to New Zealand’s information security industry.

The Government Communications Security Bureau beat out IRD and Delta Insurance to scoop the award for Best Security Project or Initiative with its Cortex initiative, which uses threat information from a range of sources to counter malware.

A GCSB initiative to counter complex and persistent foreign-sourced malware and the ANZ bank’s work to raise awareness of good cybersecurity behaviour were among the winners at iSANZ information security awards.

“The calibre of entrants reinforces the depth of the talent locally and the seriousness with which cybersecurity awareness is now taken.”

Award judges noted the ‘significance and complexity’ of Cortex, along with its national importance for both the public and private sector.

Cert NZ, Air New Zealand and Axenic have all been previous winners of the category.

ANZ’s win came in the Best Security Awareness Campaign category, which also saw healthAlliance receiving a Judge’s Commendation. PwC and Contact Energy were also finalists.

ANZ used 37 cyber-savvy staff, placed across ANZ sites to reinforce good cybersecurity behaviour, along with refreshed awareness content which was promoted both internally and with customers.

healthAliance’s Judge’s Commendation came for a cyber safety campaign with the Northern Region District Health Board.

iSanz board chair Kendra Ross says the calibre of entrants this year reinforced the depth of the talent in New Zealand and the seriousness with which cybersecurity awareness is now taken.

Security provider Aura Information Security was a back to back winner in the Best Security Company category, with judges noting its breadth and depth of cybersecurity consulting services, it’s dedicated research function, training – including tertiary support, internships and mentoring – and strong emphasis on community outreach and stakeholder engagement.

Aura continued its golden run at the awards, now in their fourth year, with Daniel Underhay taking out the individual Up-and-coming Cybersecurity Star award. Underhay, who is a security consultant with Aura, also developed Project Walrus, an Android app for contactless card cloning devices.

Deloitte NZ’s Craig Scoon also received a special mention from the judges.

Auckland-based security services provider Defend took out the inaugural Best Start-up or New Business award, with the New Zealand Internet Task Force receiving the Hall of Fame Award.

“There’s now barely an aspect of our lives that isn’t touched by the internet and networked devices. We use these to communicate with one another, pay bills online, book air tickets, transact with government agencies and more,” Ross says.

“There’s an army of InfoSec specialists working hard behind the scenes to secure these systems against malicious access. New Zealand has some of the best in the business. It’s heartening to see their focus, application and commitment.”