- Academics at Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre are running a cyber security day for female pupils in Birmingham
- The local Chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) has supported school outreach activities with the CSI centre over the pandemic
- The CSI Centre works with schools to contribute to implementing the objectives of the National Cyber Strategy 2022.
Academics at Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Centre have celebrated International Women's Day by running a cyber security day for local pupils in Birmingham.
The local Chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) has supported school outreach activities with the CSI Centre since the pandemic.
The CSI and ISACA UK Central partnership is aligned to the National Cyber Strategy 2022 objective which aims to “enhance and expand the nation’s cyber skills at every level, including through a world class and diverse cyber security profession that inspires and equips future talent”.
Cyber security is becoming more prominent as a career choice for women and Aston University has worked with schools in the area to organise learning activities.
Mike Hughes, immediate past president at ISACA UK Central, said:
"It is an important cause to encourage more students to choose a career in cyber and we are delighted to partner with the Cyber Security Innovation Centre in our school outreach work.
“ISACA highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting the progression of female professionals in cyber through its One in Tech foundation.
“As a local Chapter, Central UK is pleased to see more Midlands girls showing interest in studying cyber security. "
Professor Vladlena Benson, an industry-recognised expert in cyber security risk management and director of CSI Centre at Aston Business School, said:
“Since the launch of the National Cyber Strategy 22 in Birmingham, the focus on regional contribution to the UK cyber security ecosystem has grown.
“Diversity plays an important role in bringing out the best in the next generation of cyber security professionals and advancing innovation in this field."
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, lecturer in cyber security management at the CSI Centre at Aston Business School and STEM ambassador in the West Midlands, said:
“Bringing more girls into cyber security helps everyone and International Women’s Day is a great occasion to celebrate female talent in cyber.
“However, this is one day in 365 and the work to develop the profession must continue to happen all year round.
“The CSI Centre is involved in many initiatives to enhance representation of girls and BAME minorities in cyber security. We have to target younger girls (11-14), as those are the formation years significant in choosing career paths.”
- Notes to Editors
Founded in 1895 and a University since 1966, Aston is a long established university led by its three main beneficiaries – students, business and the professions, and our region and society. Aston University is located in Birmingham and at the heart of a vibrant city and the campus houses all the university’s academic, social and accommodation facilities for our students. Saskia Hansen is the interim Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive.
Aston University was named University of the Year 2020 by The Guardian and the University’s full time MBA programme has been ranked in the top 100 in the world in the Economist MBA 2021 ranking. The Aston MBA has been ranked 12th in the UK and 85th in the world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Sam Cook, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44)74469 10063 or email: s.cook2@aston.ac.uk
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