My interest in computers and IT began with a 286 computer that was a gift from my uncle. I enjoyed just playing with that computer - learning commands and what would break it. So, I decided, “Why not study business informatics?” I was told that as a woman in computer science, I wouldn't survive the next semester. My choice: Would I give up or should I dive into it? I decided to dive in. At the time, I interned for retail company, working on their system for remote employees. When my task was finished, they allowed me to build my own lab with their old equipment. Back then, not every company had a firewall and everything was unencrypted, so I was able to hijack sessions and figure out passwords. It fascinated me, and I learned the countermeasures. That’s what made me want to go into IT security. I started out learning everything from books and the Internet.