Leading technology services provider Kinetic IT has secured three wins at the 2023 WA Cyber Awards.
The company, founded in Western Australia, and its dedicated crew walked away with an impressive three awards, demonstrating the company’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of cyber security.
Head of Consulting Services, Kevin O’Sullivan, said the accolades were testament to Kinetic IT’s unwavering dedication to securing Australia’s critical infrastructure and digital future through best in practice cyber security services. At the awards night, Kevin accepted the Outstanding Organisation award on behalf of Kinetic IT.
“From my perspective – where I’ve been working in WA building a cyber security capability – I’m seeing how the rest of the nation sees our talent and accepts it, embraces it and we’re not constrained by regions and states.
“I’m hugely grateful to Kinetic IT, I’m hugely grateful to Vannessa and the team and all those people who have worked with us and branched out as well. Thanks so much, I’m humbled.”
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Kevin said the invaluable contributions of Kinetic IT’s crew, customers, and communities meant WA and Australia were in good hands.
“Thank you to the WA Cyber Awards judges for recognising the contributions of Kinetic IT to the industry. To our crew, congratulations on this momentous win and for your efforts every day, year-round, to protect our customers from threats on the horizon.”
WA Cyber Awards: Rookie of the Year – Thomas Ogilvie
The first award, Rookie of the Year, was won by Thomas Ogilvie, a Senior Security Analyst in the PROTECT+ Security Operations Centre (SOC) team.
This accolade acknowledges the remarkable contributions of emerging talent in the field. Thomas’s dedication, technical proficiency, and tenacious commitment to cyber security have made a significant impact within the industry.
His recognition serves as a testament to Kinetic IT’s investment in fostering the growth and development of young professionals in cyber security.
“Thank you all so much, I really appreciate it. Huge shout outs to the team I work with every day, you’re all fantastic.
“As a rookie, I’ve done a whole lot of learning with Kinetic IT over the past few years. Everyone who’s been on that journey, thank you so much for letting me learn from you.”
During his final semester at Edith Cowan University in 2020, Thomas took part in the work-integrated learning program with Kinetic IT, leading to a placement in the company’s very first graduate program.
The award win topped off a big week for Thomas, who represented Kinetic IT at the 2023 CyberWest Summit and educated attendees on how companies can detect cyber threats in operation control systems.
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WA Cyber Awards: Cyber Security Team of the Year – PROTECT+
The Cyber Security Team of the Year award was won by Kinetic IT’s PROTECT+ Security Operations Centre (SOC).
This award recognises the team’s outstanding efforts in safeguarding critical systems and networks, and protecting organisations from ever-evolving cyber threats. The PROTECT+ SOC team’s expertise, vigilance, and commitment to proactive security measures saw them secure the win on the night.
Director of Security Services, Vannessa Van Beek, accepted the award on behalf of the team.
“This team has been amazing. It is incredibly hard to build security operations, we’ve had an incredible threat escalation environment… it’s been a really, really tight market. But these guys are amazing – the innovation, the thinking, the testing of rules.
“We protect about 20 organisations within Australia, a lot of them government, and we have just really tested ourselves. So, to the team, I’m just incredibly excited. To the leadership of Kinetic IT and PROTECT+, thank you for believing in me and investing in this team.
“For the customers we protect, we’ll continue to strive really hard to build a resilient environment.”
The award category was sponsored by North Metropolitan TAFE.
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WA Cyber Awards: Outstanding Organisation – Kinetic IT
The third and highly coveted award, Outstanding Organisation, was also awarded to Kinetic IT. Kevin said the accolade recognised the company’s overarching commitment to excellence, innovation, and leadership within the cyber security sector.
“Kinetic IT’s steadfast dedication to protecting Australia’s digital landscape, coupled with our unwavering focus on customer satisfaction and community engagement, has cemented our position as a trailblazer in the industry. Thanks so much, this is amazing recognition of many years of hard work.”
Kevin was also a finalist in the Outstanding WA Cyber Security Professional of the Year category, recognised for more than two decades of leadership and excellence within the industry.
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WA Cyber Awards: Celebrating students and volunteers
Kinetic IT was proud to sponsor two categories at the WA Cyber Awards.
Blair Johnston was recognised as the Student of the Year, acknowledging his exceptional dedication and promise in the field. Blair was presented with the award by Kinetic IT’s Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications, Tara Gindein.
Likewise, Odaya Amsellem received the Volunteer of the Year award, recognising her selfless contributions to the industry and her commitment to its advancement. Odaya was presented with the award by PROTECT+ Director of Security Services Vannessa Van Beek.
Kevin congratulated all award finalists and winners, and thanked the organisers of the 2023 WA Cyber Awards for their efforts.
“It’s important we take time to celebrate and reward achievement in the cyber security industry, including within the WA cyber community.
“The west coast truly is the heart of cyber security in Australia, with the WA AustCyber Innovation Hub and the Cyber Security Cooperative Research Centre in Joondalup, and many nation-leading Australian-owned and operated providers based in Perth. As a Kinetic IT team, we’re proud to be part of such an innovative and transformative industry.”
Visit the WA Cyber Awards website for further information.
