Top 8 Private Universities in Malaysia Best for Computer Cyber Security Degree Course

Find Out Which are the Best Private Universities in Malaysia to Study Computer Security or Cyber Security

The threat of cyber attacks in Malaysia is expected to remain on the rise in 2024, especially for organisations dealing with personal data in the financial and telecommunications industries, according to global cybersecurity firm Kaspersky. The company revealed that in 2023, its detection systems blocked 26.85 million “Internet-borne” attacks in Malaysia, representing 74,000 attacks per day. In the case of “local infection”, Kaspersky’s detection system blocked 22 million threats in the country, which translated to 60,000 attacks per day.

As technology advances, the number of computer systems in Malaysia and globally has increased dramatically, and the dependence upon them by individuals, businesses, industries and governments have grown. This means that there are an increasing number of systems at risk. Serious financial damage can result from cyber attacks and sometimes even physically.

With so much data that needs to be protected from theft or damage, governments and businesses need trained professionals in Computer Security or Cyber Security to ensure sufficient protection. 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. The 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.

• Study the Best Cyber Security Degree Course in Malaysia
• Why & How to Choose the Best University to Study Cyber Security in Malaysia
• Job Demand & Salary for Cyber Security Specialists in Malaysia
• Fastest Pathway into Malaysia’s Top Private Universities to Study Computer Science or Software Engineering with the Foundation in Information Technology (IT)
• Top 20 Courses to Study in Malaysia that has High Job Demand & Stable Salary
• Malaysia’s 28 Top Jobs in Demand in Future with High Salaries
• Top 10 Degree Courses in Malaysia with Highest Starting Salaries

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Learn More About 8 of the Top Private Universities in Malaysia for Cyber Security

With the ever-increasing integration of technology into our lives—including mobile networks, Wi-Fi and cloud computing applications—there is more need to make sure that those technologies are secured from criminals. As a result, the field of cyber security is growing at a rapid pace.

If you are considering a career in computer science, take a look at programs that offer a bachelor’s degree in cyber security. With the rise in cyber attacks and increasingly complex cyber threats, a bachelor’s degree in cyber security from a top private university in Malaysia provides a strong foundation to be prepared for one of the many jobs available in the field.

Top award-winning universities and colleges in Malaysia to study Computer Security or Cyber Security are:

1. Asia Pacific University (APU)
2. Taylor’s University 
3. University of Southampton Malaysia (UoSM)
4. Multimedia University (MMU)
5. University of Wollongong (UOW) Malaysia
6. HELP University
7. First City University College
8. UCSI College

Study Cyber Security in Malaysia because of High Job Demand

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.

According to Mordor Intelligence, the Malaysia Cybersecurity Market size is expected to grow from USD 0.95 billion in 2023 to USD 2.06 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 16.84% during the forecast period (2023-2028).In Malaysia, the vast majority of industries place high importance on cybersecurity. With an allocation of USD 434 million, the Government of Malaysia (GOM) developed the Malaysia Cyber Security Strategy (MCSS) 2020-2024 to improve the nation’s cybersecurity preparedness.

Furthermore, during the following five years, the MCSS identified five strategic pillars as guiding principles for enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity management. The first pillar aims to strengthen Malaysia’s vital ICT infrastructure while improving national governance and cybersecurity management. By examining pertinent legislation and creating new cybersecurity regulations, the second pillar seeks to improve existing cybersecurity laws. The remaining pillars include fostering innovation, developing Malaysia’s cybersecurity workforce, and utilizing local, regional, and global collaboration to safeguard cyberspace.

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.

Cybersecurity and data systems integration solutions are burgeoning. The essentialities of such services received acknowledgement by SMEs, and the adoption rate reflects the shift. And predictably, the top 10% of job opportunities in Malaysia are cybersecurity related.

According to Ambition Market Insights 2024 report, there is a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals following the announcement of the Malaysia Budget 2024, RM60 million has been allocated to CyberSecurity Malaysia (CSM) to develop a 5G cybersecurity testing framework and foster local expertise in 5G technology. This allocation is anticipated to drive an increased demand for cybersecurity professionals in 2024. A great number of companies are already adapting by establishing new positions to reinforce their existing cybersecurity teams.

As companies gear up to face the challenges posed by cyber threats, the demand for cybersecurity professionals in Malaysia continues to rise. Job seekers with the right degree qualifications in Cyber Security will find themselves employed easily with high salaries.

What is the Education Pathway into a Cyber Security Career in Malaysia?

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.

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.

The Importance of Studying Computer Security or Cyber Security at a Top University in Malaysia

This rapid market growth is being fueled by an array of technology trends, including the onslaught of initiatives with ever-evolving security requirements, like “bring your own device” (BYOD) and the increasing reliance on computer systems and the Internet, wireless networks such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, the growth of “smart” devices, including smartphones, televisions and tiny devices as part of the Internet of Things (IoT); the rapid adoption of cloud-based applications and workloads, extending security needs beyond the traditional data center; and stringent data protection mandates.

Financial systems, Utilities and industrial equipment, Aviation, Automobiles, Consumer devices, Large corporations, Government, Medical Systems, and more need protection from security breaches.

With so much data that needs to be protected from theft or damage, governments and businesses need trained professionals in Computer Security or Cyber Security to ensure sufficient protection. 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.

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.

What are the Subjects that You Will Study in an Undergraduate Cyber Security Programme at a Private University in Malaysia?

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 are the Important Factors Students must consider when Choosing a university to Study Cyber Security in Malaysia?

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.

Where can You work with a Degree in Cyber Security?

Graduates can find employment in many different organisations in the following job roles:

• Cyber Security Specialist
• Cyber Crime Analyst
• Forensic Computer Analyst
• Incident and Intrusion Analyst
• IT Auditor
• IT Analyst
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Cyber Security Consultant
• Penetration and Vulnerability Tester
• Cyber Security Manager
• Cyber Security Engineer
• Cyber Security Architect
• Software Developer