8 Top Private Universities to Study the Cybersecurity Undergraduate Course in Malaysia
Malaysia is short of experts in the cybersecurity segment to equip the nation with the recommended amount of industry workers of 27,000 by 2025, says Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said currently there are only 15,248 workers identified as cybersecurity experts in the country. In a recent study by the Department of Skills, The Centre for Instructor and Advanced Skill Training (CIAST) and Cybersecurity Malaysia, our country needs 27,000 cybersecurity knowledge workers by the end of 2025. Despite the rapid industry growth, Malaysia still lags behind in cyber security talent pool development. Malaysia recorded a shortage of almost 8,000 cyber security professionals in 2020. Meanwhile, Malaysia Digital Economic Blueprint (MyDigital) has set a goal for the nation to produce 20,000 cyber security experts by 2025. As such, there will be a surge in demand for cyber security experts from security analysts and security architects, cyber threat intelligence analysts, consultants and cyber incident analysts.
Cyber security professionals are increasingly in demand as businesses continue to battle the growing threat of cybercrime. The threats have become increasingly sophisticated making the need for qualified cybersecurity experts to grow exponentially in Malaysia. Therefore, the opportunity is great for students wanting to study cyber security.
At Malaysia’s private universities, their cyber security courses help develop analytical and operational knowledge of areas related to cyber technology. Cyber Security students will learn valuable computing skills, including Big Data Hadoop, Cisco-Networking and Ethical Hacking which prepares them for a successful career in the field of cyber security. Typically cyber security degrees cover a wide range of computing related subjects including programming, algorithms and data types, information systems and databases, digital forensics, software development, penetration testing, cryptography and cyber-crime.
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Why You Should Choose a Top Private University to Study Cyber Security
Jeremy Lee, Software Engineering Graduate from Asia Pacific University (APU)
It is important to choose the best university in Malaysia to study your Cyber Security degree in Malaysia so that you will gain the necessary knowledge and skills for a successful career in the competitive field of ICT.
A degree programme in Cyber Security or Computer Security is not easy to study therefore students should choose top universities in Malaysia with a proven track record in information technology education and having won awards as evidence of their capability.
Malaysia’s best universities in Computer Security or Cyber Security will ensure that graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle the complexities of the job which will result in an excellent career.
Cyber Security is a very analytical field that is demanding for everyone. It requires strong analytical thinking skills and quite a bit of creativity to understand how systems can be broken, protected and should be used. Students with a strong background in mathematics tend to do well, as do those who have strong logic skills. If math is not for you, you might want to try formal logic instead.
Make sure you take formal logic and that the course focuses exclusively on working logical proofs, which look a lot like mathematical derivations but without the numbers.
While it can be difficult to choose between private universities or colleges in Malaysia offering the Cyber Security Degree Course, you will find that there are some key differences between them that can help you make the big decision in choosing the right one that fits you.
What will you Learn in a Typical Cyber Security Degree Programme?
Chong Keat, Electrical & Electronic Engineering at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Cyber security falls under the field of computer sciences. Computer science is the study of computers and computing – this involves scientific and mathematical theory, which is used to develop software, hardware, artificial intelligence, coding, and much more. Knowledge of these areas allows professionals to fight cybercrime.
Cyber security is basically about the protection of information and information systems. In this course, you will learn how to perform this protective role, exploring different security technologies and studying management processes and control systems.
A cyber security course should be designed to train security professionals for the future, combining fundamental concepts and principles with exposure to new technologies and solutions. You will gain a practical understanding of key issues relating to the design, analysis and implementation of modern IT security systems.
Your degree programme will begin with an introduction to cyber security. You will also learn about computing principles, including the essentials of programming and algorithms, software engineering, and mathematics and computer architecture.
Next, you will go on to hone your knowledge in specialist modules that examine key topics in security. Your computing modules will focus on skills in analysis, design and development, while a team project will help you to develop team-working skills.
Finally, you will focus on advanced cyber security topics. There should also be an internship to expose you to the industry and put your skills to practice. At the end of your course, your university may have a final year project for you to design and develop a security-related project.
Furthermore, studying Cyber Security will equip you to be part of the worldwide team securing the human experience in cyber space. During this course, you’ll learn the fundamentals of protecting individuals and organisations from cyber-attacks. You’ll develop skills to identify security breaches and implement solutions using the latest industry tools and techniques.
As you study for your cyber security degree, you will:
- build the skills you need to tackle modern secure systems
- develop your appreciation of commercial and open-source cyber security equipment, software and services
- learn management and applications central to cyber security issues
- develop interpersonal skills and business acumen.
Why Study Cyber Security?
- A cyber security degree course can help you gain the qualifications you need to enter cyber security jobs and combat the growing threat of cybercrime.
- The top 10% of job opportunities in Malaysia are cybersecurity related. Malaysia Digital Economic Blueprint (MyDigital) has set a goal for the nation to produce 20,000 cyber security experts by 2025. As such, there will be a surge in demand for cyber security experts from security analysts and security architects, cyber threat intelligence analysts, consultants and cyber incident analysts.
- It is a career that is high in job demand and salary
- It is also a career that will not be replaced therefore providing you job security for the future.
What are the Entry Requirements to Study Cyber Security?
Yue Sheng, Foundation in Information Technology (IT) at Multimedia University (MMU)
Students after SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels may go for the Foundation in Computing or Information Technology at top private universities in Malaysia for 1 year before continuing on to the 3-year Cyber Security or Computer Science degree. At least 5 credits including Maths are needed to enter the Foundation course.
With 3 credits in SPM or IGCSE/O-Levels including Maths, students may go for the 2-year Diploma in Information Technology, Diploma in Computer Studies or Diploma in Software Engineering and then enter into Year 2 of the Cyber Security or Computer Science degree.
Pre-University students with the relevant results in STPM, A-Levels, SAM, CPU, AUSMAT, etc. can enter directly into Year 1 of the Cyber Security or Computer Science degree at the best university in Malaysia. Foundation in Science programmes from premier private universities in Malaysia are also accepted for entry.
Where to Study Cybersecurity in Malaysia?
The best private universities and colleges in Malaysia have excellent facilities, years of experience running the Cyber Security degree course, strong student support services, internships and experienced lecturers. IN addition, they have many years of experience in education, excellent facilities, qualified & experienced lecturers, up-to-date syllabus, internships, high employability rate, and have won awards in Cyber Security.
A university degree in Cyber Security is no longer enough to secure a job in Malaysia. Employers in Malaysia are looking for individuals with multiple skill sets. Employers today expect their employees to be able to multitask and communicate well in the English language.
Top award-winning universities and colleges in Malaysia to study Computer Security or Cyber Security are:
- Asia Pacific University (APU)
- Taylor’s University
- University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)
- Multimedia University (MMU)
- University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
- HELP University
- First City University College
- UCSI College
What Should you look for when Choosing a Private University for Cyber Security?
Jia Chong, Diploma in IT (Software Engineering) at Asia Pacific University (APU)
When choosing the right university to study the Cyber Security degree at a private university in Malaysia, students should look at the subjects offered. Many students make the mistake in assuming that all subjects and syllabus are the same at all universities and studying at any university doesn’t make a difference. This is not true.
A top private university would ensure that it has the latest up-to-date curriculum taught by qualified and experienced lecturers. The awards won at competitions is also a good indication of the standard of the university in the particular field. The awards are not bought nor for showing off.
Having won competitions would show that the students have achieved a high level of understanding and competence in the particular field of study. In addition, the lecturers have the capability to guide and teach the students to reach this level.
What are the Subjects that You Will Study in an Undergraduate Cyber Security Programme at a Private University in Malaysia?
Eric Ng, Diploma in Information Technology (IT) at First City University College
Below is a sample of subjects in a cyber security degree that you will study at a top private university in Malaysia.
- Networking
- Mathematical Concepts for Computing
- Operating Systems & Computer Architecture
- System Analysis & Design
- Security and Forensic Technologies
- Creativity & Innovation
- Object Oriented Development with Java
- Probability & Statistical Modeling
- Professional & Enterprise Development
- Research Methods For Computing and Technology
- System Development Methods
- Ethical Hacking and Incidence Response
- Fundamentals of Mobile Computing
- Mobile & Wireless Technology
- Network Security
- Principles of Networks and Network Design
- System Programming and Computer Control
- Computer Systems Security
- Critical Issues in Managing IS in Organisations
- Design of Corporate Communications Systems
- Information Systems Security Project
- Investigations in Information Systems Security
- Malicious Software and Security Programming
- Penetration Testing
- Voice Over IP Security
- Wireless and Mobile Security
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Computer Crime and Digital Evidence
- Data Structures and Algorithms
- Software Engineering
- Computer Systems
- C Programming
- Systems Analysis & Design
- Mathematics for Computing
- Operating Systems
- Software Design
- Database Systems
- Data Communications
- Computer and Network Security
- Object-Oriented Programming using Java
- User Interface Programming and Graphics
- Computing Theory
- Computer Security and Forensics Tools
- Distributed Application Development
- Security Management in Practice
- Cryptography
- Computer Intrusion Detection
- Professional Computing Practice
- Artificial Intelligence
- Forensic Computing Practice
What is Cyber Security?
Computer security, also known as cyber security or IT security, is the protection of computer systems from the theft and damage to their hardware, software or information, as well as from disruption or misdirection of the services they provide. Cybersecurity refers to a set of techniques used to protect the integrity of networks, programs and data from attack, damage or unauthorized access.
These cyberthreats take many forms such as application attacks, malware, ransomware, phishing, exploit kits). Unfortunately, cyber adversaries have learned to launch automated and sophisticated attacks using these tactics – at lower and lower costs. As a result, keeping pace with cybersecurity strategy and operations can be a challenge, particularly in government and enterprise networks where, in their most disruptive form, cyberthreats often take aim at secret, political, military or infrastructural assets of a nation, or its people.
According to Kaspersky, Cyber-security is the practice of defending computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from malicious attacks. It’s also known as information technology security or electronic information security. The term applies in a variety of contexts, from business to mobile computing, and can be divided into a few common categories.
- Network security is the practice of securing a computer network from intruders, whether targeted attackers or opportunistic malware.
- Application security focuses on keeping software and devices free of threats. A compromised application could provide access to the data its designed to protect. Successful security begins in the design stage, well before a program or device is deployed.
- Information security protects the integrity and privacy of data, both in storage and in transit.Operational security includes the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data assets. The permissions users have when accessing a network and the procedures that determine how and where data may be stored or shared all fall under this umbrella.
- Disaster recovery and business continuity define how an organization responds to a cyber-security incident or any other event that causes the loss of operations or data. Disaster recovery policies dictate how the organization restores its operations and information to return to the same operating capacity as before the event. Business continuity is the plan the organization falls back on while trying to operate without certain resources.
- End-user education addresses the most unpredictable cyber-security factor: people. Anyone can accidentally introduce a virus to an otherwise secure system by failing to follow good security practices. Teaching users to delete suspicious email attachments, not plug in unidentified USB drives, and various other important lessons is vital for the security of any organization.
