Nigerian cybersecurity expert Mariam Sanusi has received the BAT Award of Excellence 2024 in the Cybersecurity category, recognising her achievements in protecting digital systems and managing cyber risks for major organisations around the world. Her work in boosting digital safety and regulatory compliance in cloud environments has earned her praise across the tech industry.

Sanusi, who is currently based in the United States, has worked with big names like American Airlines, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Nigeria’s fintech company SystemSpecs. Her strong reputation in the tech space has been built over the years through hands-on security solutions and leadership in tech projects that have reduced cyber threats and improved safety systems.

Born and raised in Lagos, Sanusi studied Computer Science at Caleb University in Lagos before moving to the United States to complete a master’s degree in Cybersecurity at the University of Texas at Dallas. She holds certifications such as the AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate and is Certified in Cybersecurity.

At American Airlines, she played a major role in securing the company’s operations across major cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. Her contributions helped the company improve access control and reduce security risks.

During her internship at Amazon Web Services, Sanusi built scalable analytics systems and introduced automated scanning tools that helped detect and reduce vulnerabilities in cloud setups. These tools improved safety without slowing down business operations.

Back in Nigeria, Sanusi worked at SystemSpecs where she conducted deep security checks and implemented automation tools that reportedly reduced cyber threats by up to 90 percent. She believes her time working in Nigeria gave her the skills to think fast and find solutions with limited resources.

“Working in Nigeria taught me to be resourceful. That mindset still shapes how I work today,” she said.

Beyond her work in cybersecurity, Sanusi is also passionate about promoting gender inclusion in the tech space. She is a vocal supporter of equal opportunities for women in cybersecurity and credits the WomenTechsters Cybersecurity Fellowship for helping her launch her career. She now mentors young women in technology through groups like Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS).

“Representation matters,” Sanusi said. “When young women see others like them succeeding in cybersecurity, it makes the path feel achievable.”

Sanusi has also written research papers on cloud security and emerging technologies, showing her interest in advancing digital safety through academic contributions. She believes that young Africans have the talent to make a global impact in tech if they are given the right opportunities and support.

“Africa has so much talent,” she said. “What we need is access and investment to unlock that potential. This award is not just for me – it’s for every young African woman who dreams of leading in technology.”

The BAT Award of Excellence is given to individuals and companies that have made remarkable contributions in business and technology. Sanusi’s win shows that Nigerian professionals are not only competing but leading on the global stage, especially in the growing field of cybersecurity.