Cyber security is a career that should be marketed better to girls, according to a Masters degree student who is studying the subject.
Hannah Baverstock wants more girls to consider cyber as an option because women are under-represented in the industry and there are a lot of jobs.
She became interested in the subject after playing the computer game Watch Dogs that includes hackers fighting over operating systems.
Hannah, from Broadstone, Dorset, is completing several months work experience at C3IA Solutions before starting the final year of her integrated Masters degree at Royal Holloway University.
The leading cyber company, which is headquartered in Poole, Dorset, is giving her an insight into many aspects of cyber security.
Hannah said: “Probably about 10 per cent of those on my course are female.
“But computer science and information security is something that should appeal to more of us.
“Things are starting to change but there is a long way to go. Before embarking on my degree, I went on an introductory CyberFirst course.
“These are run by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and are designed to inspire and encourage young people from all backgrounds.
“My university course is accredited by GCHQ and the experience that C3IA Solutions is providing will help put into practice what I have been learning.
“I was always interested in computing and built my own computer when I was young, but you don’t have to be particularly tech-savvy to make a career in cyber.
“It is a wide industry that is growing all the time and there are well paid jobs available.”
Jim Hawkins, Delivery and Security Director at C3IA Solutions, said: “Hannah is getting involved with a range of cyber services and how they are delivered across the public and private sectors.
“We have long been aware that the industry is male dominated and we want to actively encourage more women into it.
“The reasons why it is so male dominated are many and complex, but the sector is worth more than £5bn to the economy annually and it ought to better reflect the make-up of society.
“Having a diverse workforce will help us to take on the ever-changing set of challenges this area presents, and we are committed to doing as much as we can in this area.
“Recruitment is an issue across cyber security so if those at school are looking for a career then cyber is certainly one to consider.”