Esther Lupton: Cyber Security Analyst

Job title:

Cyber Security Analyst at Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

Location:

Bristol

What inspired you to go into engineering?

What inspired me to pursue a career in cybersecurity was the opportunity to make a real difference. I enjoy technology and problem-solving, but what motivates me most is knowing that my work can help protect people and businesses. Cyber attacks can have serious consequences, affecting livelihoods, finances, and trust. Being able to contribute to preventing those impacts and helping organisations operate securely is incredibly rewarding. I like the idea that the work I do can have a tangible positive impact on others.

What do you love about your job?

I love that cybersecurity allows me to combine my curiosity with something that has a real-world impact. Whether it's improving a process, reducing a risk, or helping an organisation become more secure, I enjoy knowing that my work contributes to protecting people and businesses. I also enjoy that there's always something new to learn, which keeps the role interesting and rewarding.

How did you get your job?

I got into my job through a combination of my degree and actively getting involved in the industry outside of university. I studied Computer Science, which gave me a strong technical foundation, but I also made a point of attending and volunteering at conferences, which I really enjoyed. It was a great way to meet people already working in the field, learn from them, and understand what different roles actually involve.

What advice would you give to a young person looking to start a career in your industry?

One of the most exciting things about cybersecurity over the next 5–10 years is how AI will be used to help protect systems. It will be able to process huge amounts of data from logs and networks and quickly spot unusual activity that could indicate a cyber attack, much faster than a person could on their own.

What do you think will be the most exciting developments in your industry over the next 5-10 years?

One of the most exciting things about cybersecurity over the next 5–10 years is how AI will be used to help protect systems. It will be able to process huge amounts of data from logs and networks and quickly spot unusual activity that could indicate a cyber attack, much faster than a person could on their own.

Why would you encourage more girls to pursue a career like yours?

I’d encourage more girls to explore tech because it’s one of the few fields where you can genuinely shape how people interact with the world every day. So much of what we use apps, systems, online services, is built by people making design and technical decisions, and there’s real value in having more voices involved in that.