De Stefano & Co’s Emilio De Stefano and Jeremy Watkins at the 2026 Australian Cyber Awards. Photo and article courtesy of De Stefano & Co.

De Stefano & Co is proud to announce its recognition at the 2026 Australian Cyber Awards, taking out
Cyber Consulting Business of the Year – SME and Cyber Professional of the Year – Defence, awarded to the company’s Head of Protective Security Services, Jeremy Watkinson.

The dual honours mark another significant milestone in the company’s continued growth as one of
Australia’s leading Defence and security firms. Having now secured honours in two of the past three
years, and named a finalist in the third, the achievement reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to
delivering exceptional outcomes for its clients.

CEO & Managing Director, Emilio De Stefano said, “I’m grateful for the trust of our clients and the
commitment of our team as we continue on our journey to becoming the ‘Go To’ in Defence security. I’d
like to congratulate Jeremy Watkinson on a well-deserved individual award too; a reflection of the
standard he sets himself as a leader in his field. Overall, this recognition really does validate our approach
to business; one which puts results before profits and our clients’ best interests ahead of all else.”

These honours strengthen De Stefano & Co’s standing as a trusted advisor, delivering independent and
impartial expertise to organisations navigating complex cyber security frameworks and Defence
compliance obligations.

Jeremy Watkinson said, “I am really pleased to win this award, it is very humbling. Overall, it is a
testament to the great team I have around me. Working in the defence industry gives us a great sense of
purpose, supporting national security and protecting our country and its interests. It motivates us to be
the best that we can.”

The awards recognise not only the company’s technical capability, but also its increasing influence as a
strategic partner to defence industry organisations and businesses operating in highly-regulated sectors
who require specialist security guidance.

De Stefano & Co extends its congratulations to all of the 2026 award finalists and winners, and thanks its
clients, partners and advocates for their ongoing support