(IT Masters at the Australian Cyber Awards, from left Jenny Hoang, Manveer Perhar, Shane Murphy, Chantelle Hale)
We were thrilled to attend the Australian Cyber Awards for the very first time last month—especially because IT Masters was shortlisted as a finalist for Cyber Security Training Business of the Year!
While we didn’t take home the top prize on the night, we were blown away by the number of IT Masters alumni and students recognised across multiple categories. It was a powerful reminder of why we’re so passionate about delivering top-tier cyber security training in Australia—because our students are out there making an impact.
Want to know more about the Australian Cyber Awards? You can check out all the nominees and winners here.
Celebrating the IT Masters Cyber Security Finalists – Australian Cyber Awards
All up, eight of our current and former students were nominated across a range of categories. That’s no small feat, and we’re immensely proud to see their hard work and professional excellence recognised on a national stage.
Craig Ford, Cyber Unicorns – IT Masters Alumni
▸ CISO of the Year (nominated)
▸ Cyber Security Professional of the Year – FMCG, Retail and Hospitality (nominated)
▸ Cyber Security Professional of the Year – Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (nominated)
Joseph Ninio, Raytheon Australia – IT Masters Current Student
▸ Cyber Security Champion of the Year – Internal (nominated)
▸ Cyber Security Professional of the Year – Government and Defence (nominated)
Chris McDonald, Stealth Cyber – IT Masters Alumni
▸ Cyber Security Consultant of the Year – SME (nominated)
Phillip Magness, Johnson Winter Slattery – IT Masters Alumni
▸ Cyber Security Lawyer of the Year (nominated)
Madhuri Nandi, Nuvei – IT Masters Alumni
▸ Cyber Security Professional of the Year – Professional and Financial Services (nominated)
Talia Zidar, Leidos Australia – IT Masters Alumni
▸ Cyber Security Rising Star – Enterprise (nominated)
Philippa Cogswell, Palo Alto Networks – IT Masters Alumni
▸ Female Cyber Security Leader of the Year – Enterprise (nominated)
We offer our congratulations to every nominee—we loved seeing your names called and your achievements celebrated. For our team, this night was about more than awards. It was about witnessing the incredible impact our community is making across government, defence, enterprise, and beyond.
Why Recognition Like This Matters
When it comes to cyber security training in Australia, real-world outcomes matter. These nominations highlight the value of combining industry-led education with practical experience—something we strive to deliver in all our online postgraduate courses and short courses.
It’s not just about learning—it’s about being prepared to lead, consult, innovate, and defend in a rapidly evolving cyber landscape.
See You Next Year at the Australian Cyber Awards!
We’ll definitely be back at the Australian Cyber Awards next year, and we can’t wait to see even more of our students and alumni up on stage. Whether you’re just starting your journey or are already advancing in the field, we’re here to support your goals every step of the way.
Kickstart Your Cyber Security Journey in 2025
Do you see yourself at the Australian Cyber Awards one day? Australia’s digital future needs defenders—and skilled cyber security professionals are in demand like never before. If you’re ready to build a secure, high-impact career, now’s the perfect time to get started.
At IT Masters, we partner with Charles Sturt University to deliver purpose-built online postgraduate courses in cyber security. These aren’t in-person programs simply adapted for the web—they’re designed from the ground up for online learners, offering streamlined content, rapid feedback, and access to seasoned experts.
🗓️ Next intake: Session 2 begins 14 July
🎓 100% online, flexible study with Charles Sturt University & IT Masters
👨🏫 Learn from cyber industry leaders with hands-on experience
🔎 Get recognised industry credits for short courses and industry certifications
Apply for a Commonwealth Supported Place in the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and save up to 71% on course fees. Build your credentials and protect the digital world—your future starts now.
👉 Enrol now and secure your spot
