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Cybersecurity Analyst

Stable

Technology

Monitors, detects and responds to cyber threats for banks, telcos and government agencies. One of Malaysia's fastest-growing tech fields as digitalisation expands the attack surface; certifications raise pay quickly.

CybersecurityComputer ScienceData Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Develop plans to safeguard computer files against accidental or unauthorized modification, destruction, or disclosure and to meet emergency data processing needs.
  2. 2Monitor current reports of computer viruses to determine when to update virus protection systems.
  3. 3Encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls to conceal confidential information as it is being transmitted and to keep out tainted digital transfers.
  4. 4Perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.
  5. 5Modify computer security files to incorporate new software, correct errors, or change individual access status.
  6. 6Review violations of computer security procedures and discuss procedures with violators to ensure violations are not repeated.
  7. 7Confer with users to discuss issues such as computer data access needs, security violations, and programming changes.
  8. 8Document computer security and emergency measures policies, procedures, and tests.
  9. 9Monitor use of data files and regulate access to safeguard information in computer files.
  10. 10Coordinate implementation of computer system plan with establishment personnel and outside vendors.
  11. 11Train users and promote security awareness to ensure system security and to improve server and network efficiency.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • ISSO
  • CISSP
  • IT Analyst
  • IT Auditor
  • SOC Analyst
  • Cryptologist
  • IT Consultant
  • Threat Hunter
  • Cyber Operator
  • Red Team Member

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. 3

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. Typical entry

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationBachelor's degree

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
BusinessDraws directly on Administration and Management — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EconomicsDraws directly on Administration and Management — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics87%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language85%

    English

  • Administration and Management74%

    BusinessEconomics

  • Telecommunications73%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • Engineering and Technology73%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Customer and Personal Service68%

Skills to build

Problem-solvingSelf-learningAttention to detail

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never
  • Time spent sittingMost of the time

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

9%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

On Malaysia's official shortage list

TalentCorp and ILMIA's Critical Occupations List — evidence of a real hiring shortage in Malaysia right now.

Cybersecurity Professionals · Shortage indicators met: INSUFFICIENT DATA

Pay in the private market

Monthly pay from fresh grad to mid-career, from the salary guide cited on this page.

Entry

Private
RM3,500 – RM6,000

Mid-career

Private
RM7,000 – RM13,000

Government pay isn't shown: we haven't yet sourced the SSPA civil-service salary tables, and we won't estimate them.

Job demand outlook

Stable

Steady, reliable demand: a consistent number of openings.

Your readiness

How your current SPM subjects line up with this career.

Add your SPM grades to see how ready you are for this career.

Add my grades

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Information Security Analysts

Source: Nova Academy / industry salary data · as of Jan 2026

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org

Programmes that lead here

Programmes from the official UPU (KPT) and MQA catalogues whose field of study typically leads to this career. Matched by field, not a job guarantee.

Public universities (UPU)

Private institutions (MQA-accredited)

Search the programme catalogue