Young adults around the world may be intrigued by cybersecurity, but they’re generally unaware of job opportunities in the field, despite its fast-growing nature, according to the results of a survey conducted by defense contractor Raytheon.\

Results from the survey – conducted of adults age 18 to 26 in 12 countries – also suggest that schools are partly to blame for the lack of interest because they're not preparing students for cybersecurity jobs. Also, there's a significant gender gap, with women less interested and informed about careers in cybersecurity than men are.

Raytheon, which conducted the survey with the help of the National Cyber Security Alliance, says the way forward requires "active collaboration between business sectors, the government and our higher and lower education systems. This multifaceted approach is required if millennials and future generations are to become the sharp, aware and talented cyber defenders our societies need."

The following are six key insights from the study: