Program Overview
Protecting sensitive data and essential systems from online threats is known as cybersecurity. Cybersecurity measures, sometimes called information technology (IT) security, are intended to counter attacks on networked systems and applications, whether such threats come from within or outside of an organisation. An effective cybersecurity strategy can provide a respectable defence against hostile attacks that aim to access, modify, harm, or steal private information and systems that belong to an organisation or user.
In the 1970s, when researcher Bob Thomas created the computer code Creeper, it left a breadcrumb trail wherever it went on the ARPANET network. Another application, the Reaper, was created by email’s creator, Ray Tomlinson, and it hunted and removed Creeper. Reaper, the first computer worm ever, was also the first instance of antivirus software and the first self-replicating application relating to cybersecurity.
The importance of cybersecurity will only expand as there are more people, devices, and programs in the contemporary organisation, along with an influx of more data, most of it sensitive or secret. The amount and level of complexity of cyber attackers and attack tactics are growing, which significantly worsens the problem. Since businesses are now entirely dependent on technology and digital tools, cybersecurity is a barrier to preventing hackers from obtaining private information and bringing down networks.
A cybersecurity course consists of numerous modules, each in charge of a different aspect of system protection. In the end, all the modules work to protect the system against harmful attacks that can cause damage to it. The cybersecurity modules that aid in securing systems, particularly those with public interfaces, are listed below:
- Foundation of Computing and Cyber Security
- Endpoint Security
- Secure Coding
- Business Infrastructure and Security
- Secure Scripting and Business Applications
- Incident Response and Cyber Threat Intelligence
- Penetration Testing
- Industrial Cryptography
- Malware and Attacker Techniques
- Cyber-Physical Systems Security
- Artificial Intelligence for Cyber Security
The field of cybersecurity is expanding and requires qualified workers. Over the past several years, there has been a considerable increase in the need for cybersecurity employment. The field of cybersecurity is constantly expanding.
Enterprise IT systems are continuously being scrutinised by cybercriminals for weaknesses. Organisations must adopt the appropriate cybersecurity techniques, technology, and employees to prevent falling victim to cyberattacks. You can learn how to become a cyber security specialist from this guide, along with some motivation.
Why Study This Program
The Need for Cyber Security Is Essential
A career in cybersecurity puts you at the forefront of a problem that will continue to be important to our society for as long as it is known. Cybercriminals continue their relentless efforts to breach whatever kind of private information they can get their hands on. We have already witnessed data breaches in 2019 that exposed the personal data of millions of individuals in online games, retailers, and even health services. Cybersecurity will become increasingly crucial as our society depends on internet services.
Cybersecurity is a fantastic career choice if you’re searching for a position where you can genuinely improve people’s lives. Cybersecurity offers a wide range of career opportunities. Perhaps you’ll work as an information security analyst, putting security measures in place and ensuring daily data protection. You may pursue a managerial career, directing cybersecurity teams, developing data protection plans, and holding the reins. You can consider working in ethical hacking, attempting to identify security system flaws to fix them.
Flexibility
For many cybersecurity professionals, the possibility of getting a degree online while juggling education with a full-time job and family responsibilities has proven to be a career game-changer. Nowadays, many schools and universities provide online choices, such as hybrid programs or degrees that may be completed entirely online.
The ability to access the best programs of cybersecurity, including professors, and universities from anywhere, pay less for materials (expensive textbooks are frequently replaced with digital content that can be viewed online or printed), and interact with students from all over the world are additional advantages of online learning that go beyond its flexibility.
Variety of Careers Available
According to a private study, information security analysts’ job market is expanding at a pace of 31%, which it describes as “much faster than (the) average” for other professions. Although there are numerous chances and job vacancies in cybersecurity, a high degree of education may be required to qualify for these positions.
CEOs in IT and cybersecurity concur that there are many cybersecurity job vacancies, making it a lucrative market for those with the necessary skills. Statistics show that the number of cybersecurity positions will increase, precisely like that of an information security analyst. By 2026, there will be a 28 per cent increase in this field, which is substantially quicker than usual. Given the abundance of employment opportunities, earning a degree in the area is a terrific way to start along the road to a successful career in a fast-expanding industry.
High in Demand
Even though cyber security is nothing new, an increasing number of businesses are falling prey to hacking and other online crimes. It’s a worrying time for businesses and their consumers because internet thieves are growing better at hacking some of the giant corporations across the globe. Professionals in cybersecurity can help in this situation. They can provide and reaffirm defensive measures to fend off these online intrusions. The need for cybersecurity experts is anticipated to rise in the upcoming years as the sector is currently growing around the globe.
Additionally, it is anticipated that this field will develop over the next several years and that there will be a rising demand for cybersecurity experts globally. There is a constant need for professionals in cybersecurity, whether at a social media giant like Facebook or a router manufacturer like Tenda. The need for cybersecurity specialists has grown and will continue to grow due to the surge in cyberattacks over the past few years and their ability to knock even the largest corporations to their knees.
Always-Evolving and Difficult Field
The wage of a cybersecurity expert is based on an assumption for an applicant with a bachelor’s degree and under five years of experience. Imagine having a master’s degree in cyber security. There is a lot of possibility for a high wage because of the significance and pressure of this form of digital protection, depending on your degree, experience, and the city where you work. Since new developments occur daily, the field of cybersecurity is particularly fascinating.
Every day brings new research, technological advancements, and headlines about cybersecurity as the industry evolves. Additionally, the workdays themselves are intriguing and distinctive from one another. This subject would be ideal for someone ready to learn because it requires a daily commitment to acquiring new information. This is a constantly changing sector that demands unwavering attention since hackers always come up with new strategies and ways to steal data, so you have to be on guard all the time to stop them.
Why Study In Malaysia
A Wide Variety Of Technology
Due to the growth of cyber security as a field, a wide range of technology and scenarios professionals must deal with will determine the growth potential of an individual. In addition, the new technology would have a cyber security component if it employs ones and zeros (and specific jobs even extend to physical security).
In addition, the opportunity to work directly with teams on technologies and systems they had never imagined existed for security professionals. The diversity is almost unlimited, ranging from robots to automobiles to websites that serve hundreds of millions of visitors. That’s a promising career path that never makes your progression stagnant.
Travel the World
Are you anticipating a job that will allow you to work remotely? If so, a career in cybersecurity is the best choice for you. Cybersecurity is a problem that affects the entire world, not just one specific region. Additionally, the number of cyberattacks has been rising globally, undoubtedly outpacing the number of cybersecurity experts available to stop them.
This rising need for cybersecurity experts has spread internationally and resulted in additional job prospects. Experts in this field might anticipate going abroad to meet the demands of businesses that complement their skill sets.
Affordable Course Fees
The fee required to study cyber security in Malaysia is comparatively less than that required in many other countries, such as the USA, the UK, Australia, and Canada, to name just a few. With cyber security degree expenses shooting up worldwide, Malaysia comes across as a reliable option to receive a high-quality education at an affordable cost.
Globally Recognised Degrees
Cyber security degrees from Malaysian universities enjoy global recognition. Studying cyber security in Malaysia allows students to pursue the program in Malaysia and then move anywhere globally. Several students continue their master’s and specialisation in Malaysia or transfer to other countries to pursue different pathways.
International Education Standard
The standard of cyber security programs in Malaysia meets international standards. This ensures exceptional education for students who enrol in this course. The course curriculum is rigorously developed, keeping in line with international benchmarks to ensure students learn the latest developments in cyber security.
Excellent Campus Facilities and Infrastructure
Malaysia offers excellent campus facilities, modern infrastructure, and innovative teaching aids for studying cyber security in Malaysia. The schools in Malaysia offer a great learning atmosphere. Several leading universities have developed in-house labs and testing facilities dedicated to helping students learn with hands-on experience, operate with state-of-the-art machinery, and stay up to date with the latest innovations.
Career Prospects
Cybersecurity specialists focus only on securing digital data, as the name indicates. This can range from ensuring that whole information systems are malware-, virus-, and hacker-proof to encrypting personal information on social media to prevent anyone from accessing it illegally.
An authority in information technology security is a “cyber security specialist.” They are responsible for safeguarding the systems and processes. They do their best to protect networks from external threats like hackers that desire access for nefarious motives.
Here are some of the essential roles and responsibilities a cybersecurity professional must carry out:
- Upgrade infrastructure and network systems.
- Implement and maintain security measures.
- Determine and address current and prospective security issues.
- Examine the current setting, contemplate trends, and predict security needs.
- Prepare performance reports to notify users, stating the system’s status.
- Uphold high levels of service by abiding by company policies.
- Maintain practical skills by joining training sessions.
- Contribute to the team effort by finishing relevant tasks as essential.
A comprehensive range of technical, professional, and functional skills, as well as the particular cyber security abilities and crucial soft skills in demand by employers that will set you apart from the competition, are required of those pursuing a career in this field.
Here are a few more skills you will need to become a cybersecurity expert:
- Proven employment history as a cyber security specialist or in a position related.
- Analysing large numbers of logs, network data, and other attack objects on the job.
- Knowledge of vulnerability scanning tools.
- Knowledge of antivirus and security programs.
- A bachelor’s degree in information systems or computer science or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Risk Analyst
Regular evaluations of the cyber security environment are carried out by a risk analyst, who also makes recommendations for changes. This might involve researching operational effectiveness, regulations, and access restrictions. They could also be expected to monitor the most recent threats and assess the resilience of business systems.
Chief Information Security Officer
The professional responsible for a company’s information and records protection is called the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). The term is now frequently used interchangeably with CSO and VP of security, indicating a broader role in the organisation than in the past when the post had a narrower definition along those lines.
Security Engineer
A senior incident response analyst and a security engineer are similar. They create and deploy security-focused services and solutions, albeit they do not always actively respond to cyber security incidents. They develop organisational policies and procedures as well. Experience is just as crucial as knowledge and credentials in this mid-level position.
Security Architect
Strong leadership abilities in administration and communication were required for the security architect role. Security architects may communicate and spread computer security policies and procedures within an organisation. They are frequently responsible for leading teams of information technology professionals.
Cybersecurity Manager
Cybersecurity managers manage network and computer security systems. In this position, you could oversee security team management, team communication, and security compliance.
Incident Response Analyst
As the name implies, an incident response analyst is the first person to respond to a cyber attack. They will look into, evaluate, and deal with cyber problems.
Security Consultant
Businesses engage security experts to check for any security hazards or vulnerabilities in their computer and network systems. By identifying weaknesses in systems and offering suggestions for their improvement, you get to practise cybersecurity offence and defence in this profession.
Forensics Analyst
A forensics analyst is an investigator who follows the digital evidence and practically solves a crime. Data is improved, and the security breach’s cause is exposed.
Penetration Tester
To assist businesses in creating more secure systems, penetration testers look for and exploit system flaws.
Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are positions that date back to the 1990s and the information age. Organisations hired leaders for their information/data practice as more and more data was gathered and utilised.
Program Duration
The duration to study cyber security in Malaysia is three years for the bachelor’s program. English is the medium of instruction followed in schools across all major international private universities.
The first year will have a number of common subjects between different specialisations. As students progress to years two and three, their modules and subjects will become more specialised as per their field of choice.
Students can sometimes switch from one specialisation to another, but it will require approval from the University faculty and the relevant authorities in Malaysia.
Students who want to opt for program transfers to another University will usually need to prepare the transfer paperwork and start processing from their second year onwards to ensure all the paperwork and approvals are in place so the program transfer can be done.
Entry Requirements
The Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) sets the entry requirements and guidelines for university admissions in Malaysia, which all universities must adhere to. All prospective international students must meet the minimum entry requirements, as the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) takes these standards into account during the application acceptance and processing phases.
The admission requirements to study cyber security in Malaysia for international students may vary from one university to another. However, the basic entry requirements are the same for most universities.
Usually, there are two pathways to entering a degree program in Malaysia:
- First, students can join a foundation program after completing their secondary schooling, O levels, or equivalent qualifications. After completing the foundation in the information technology/computing program, they can continue to the bachelor’s degree as per their choice.
- Second, students who have completed their higher secondary school or A levels or equivalent will be able to join the bachelor’s degree programme directly into year one.
If a student fails to meet the entry requirements for a bachelor’s degree programme, the faculty may offer different pathways into the degree programme, for example, through a foundation or a diploma programme.
Universities may raise the entry requirements to ensure incoming students are academically prepared for the rigours of their programmes. So, prospective international students should consult with an admission advisor to determine the precise entry criteria for their chosen programme and their preferred university.
General Entry Requirements For Bachelor’s Degree
A Levels or Equivalent:
- 2 Passes in A-Level in Science stream with a Pass in Mathematics and one Science or ICT subject. Or
- 2 Passes in A-Level with a Credit in Additional Mathematics at IGCSE/O-Level or equivalent. Or
- 2 Passes in A-Level with a Credit in Mathematics and Science or ICT subjects at O-Level/IGCSE or equivalent. Candidates need to do a Prerequisite module in Further Mathematics or equivalent in the first semester of the Degree Programme.
Foundation:
- Passed the relevant Foundation programme (minimum CGPA of 2.0).
English Language
International students who wish to study cyber security in Malaysia will need to also provide proof of their English language proficiency with IELTS or TOEFL exams. Students who have studied the British or American curriculum are generally exempted from the English proficiency requirements since the medium of instruction for that curriculum is in English by default.
Students who have studied other curriculums where the medium of instruction is also English will usually need to provide a supporting letter from the school stating that the instruction language for their schooling has been English. With that letter, English language requirements are proven to have been completed.
Fees & Cost
Students sometimes only look at the tuition fee during the comparison. However, depending on how forthright and clearly the fee guidelines from the university are, the extra fees can be a hefty amount that could be a surprise. So students are advised to correctly add all the fees and decide which university fits their budget requirements to study cyber security in Malaysia.
Various factors will contribute to the overall cost structure, such as:
- Tuition fees
- Accommodation fees
- Admission fee
- Registration and Visa fees and
- Other one-time fees.
These fees vary from university to university and can depend on varying factors. The quality, infrastructure, facilities and teacher-to-student ratio will also determine how much a university charges.
You must find the right balance between quality and cost to get the best education possible. The average cost to study cyber security in Malaysia is between RM30,000 to RM40,000 per year, depending on the University.
For reference, that’s around USD $7,500 to $10,000 per year for a 3-year cyber security degree program at the current exchange rate.
Accommodation
Accommodation cost is going to be another recurring fee for international students. Generally, students have two options: they can either stay at the on-campus accommodation provided by the university or at private accommodation. The prices will differ according to which university and area you choose.
Generally, campus accommodations at major universities start at around US$150 per month and can go up to $400 per month. The pricing for on-campus accommodation is determined by the size of the room, whether a student will be sharing the room or will be staying alone, or if the student is taking a master room which generally comes with an attached bathroom or decides to stay at a sharing room with shared bathroom.
Some universities also offer cooking facilities and on-campus accommodation, which are shared facilities which will also be factored into the accommodation costs. Utility costs are generally an add-on fee.
While choosing the university, you can check with your admissions advisor on the options available for accommodation and how much they will cost so that you have an idea of how much of a monthly budget you will require as a student.
Admission Procedure
Researching, applying and managing overseas admissions is a tedious, time-consuming and often confusing process. Incorrect application submissions can lead to lengthy processing, delayed approvals, or rejections. You can visit education, exhibitions and fairs to collect information. However, that is not enough. You can only collect cursory information at these places. However, your admission processing will usually take much longer. During that time, you will need consistent and dedicated support to ensure your application is in the right experienced hands.
This is where we help.
Edmates helps international students from around the world with complete admissions processing. Our integrated one-stop centre helps international students with everything. We help you find future-driven programs that match your abilities and interests in leading universities.
We handle the entire process from the beginning until you have joined the university. Our international support system will manage everything for you, absolutely free.
Each student is assigned a dedicated admission advisor who will manage the complete admission process and also guide the student throughout the admissions process. The advisor will also liaise with the university admissions department to ensure clear communications and faster processing.
You can speak with your assigned advisor anytime by booking a free call online through the website. You will also receive regular updates regarding your application via emails, SMS and WhatsApp.
To learn about each step of the admission process, you can read our complete guide to start applying for your higher education the right way.