Malaysia Cybersecurity Salaries: What Can You Expect to Earn?

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: July 31st 2024

Graph showing average cybersecurity salaries in Malaysia

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Cybersecurity salaries in Malaysia are robust, with demand for professionals expected to rise by 24% by 2024, creating 10,000+ new jobs. Entry-level roles earn RM 48,000 to RM 72,000 annually, while senior positions can command RM 144,000 to RM 240,000. Specializations like cloud security boost earnings significantly.

Check this out, cybersecurity is blowing up in Malaysia! With all the digital stuff happening, like companies going online and our economy getting more tech-savvy, keeping our data and systems safe is a major deal.

Phishing attacks are the biggest threat, but ransomware and other hacks are also on the rise.

It's a constant battle to stay ahead of the cybercriminals.

But Malaysia is stepping up its game with the new Cyber Security Bill 2024.

This law is all about protecting our critical systems and data infrastructure across sectors like banking, healthcare, and even the government. It's setting up a whole cybersecurity command center and making companies get their act together with risk assessments and audits.

With cyber threats increasing worldwide, Malaysia is taking cybersecurity seriously.

Experts say organizations need to embed cybersecurity into their operations, from supply chains to using AI responsibly.

It's not just about technical solutions but also being prepared to respond and recover quickly from attacks. Cybersecurity is a crucial part of staying competitive and protecting our digital future.

Plus, it's creating tons of job opportunities for those interested in this field!

Table of Contents

  • Current Cybersecurity Job Market in Malaysia
  • Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Malaysia
  • Average Cybersecurity Salaries by Job Role in Malaysia
  • How to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary in Malaysia
  • Future of Cybersecurity Careers in Malaysia
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Current Cybersecurity Job Market in Malaysia

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The cybersecurity job scene in Malaysia is blowing up right now, thanks to the country's major digital move and everyone getting worried about cyber threats. According to the Malaysian Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), the demand for cybersecurity pros in Malaysia is expected to skyrocket by 24% by 2024, creating over 10,000 new job openings across different industries.

This cybersecurity job craze is being driven by a few key things:

  • Businesses going digital: As more companies and government agencies jump on the digital bandwagon, the need for top-notch cybersecurity measures is through the roof.
  • More cyber attacks happening: With hackers getting smarter and cyber threats leveling up, organizations are scrambling to hire cybersecurity talent to protect their digital assets and data.
  • Strict rules and regulations: Laws like the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) are forcing companies to bring in skilled cybersecurity pros to stay compliant.

Several major industries in Malaysia are actively hunting for cybersecurity talent, including:

  1. Financial services: Banks, insurance firms, and fintech companies need cybersecurity experts to secure sensitive financial data and transactions.
  2. Government and public sector: Government agencies and public bodies are beefing up their cybersecurity teams to protect critical infrastructure and citizen data.
  3. Healthcare: With medical records and patient data going digital, the healthcare industry is prioritizing cybersecurity to keep that info private and secure.
  4. Manufacturing and telecommunications: These sectors, which rely heavily on interconnected systems and networks, are actively hiring cybersecurity pros to reduce cyber risks.

As cybersecurity keeps being a top priority for organizations all over Malaysia, skilled pros in this field are set for promising career opportunities and growth.

Cybersecurity isn't just a luxury anymore; it's a must-have for businesses in today's digital age, notes Mary Harris, Chairman of MDEC's Cybersecurity Advisory Board.

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Factors Influencing Cybersecurity Salaries in Malaysia

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When it comes to landing that fat cybersecurity paycheck in Malaysia, there are a bunch of things you gotta keep in mind. First off, having those slick cybersecurity certs can seriously level up your earning game - we're talking an average 25% boost over the non-certified peeps, according to ISACA's findings.

And if you've got that coveted cloud security or ethical hacking know-how, you can bet your bottom dollar that companies will be throwing cash at you like nobody's business.

Your experience is another major key to unlocking those hefty paychecks.

Straight out the gate with 1-3 years under your belt, you're looking at an average yearly haul of RM48,000 to RM72,000, based on Payscale's data.

However, as you rack up more time on the job, those numbers start climbing like crazy:

  • 4-6 years: RM72,000 - RM120,000
  • 7-9 years: RM108,000 - RM168,000
  • 10+ years: RM144,000 - RM240,000

The industry you're in also has a major impact on your earning potential.

If you're in the banking and finance world, you could be raking in an average of RM120,000 to RM180,000 annually, according to JobStreet Malaysia. Tech companies aren't too shabby either, offering an average of RM96,000 to RM144,000 per year.

And if you're working for the government, you can still score a respectable RM72,000 to RM108,000 on the regular.

Last but not least, your location within Malaysia can make or break your cybersecurity salary game.

Major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor tend to dish out the big bucks, with Michael Page noting that "the Klang Valley is the epicenter for cybersecurity talent, commanding premium salaries for top professionals." So if you're looking to ball out, you might want to consider setting up shop in one of those hotspots.

Average Cybersecurity Salaries by Job Role in Malaysia

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The cybersecurity game in Malaysia is getting real, and if you're looking to level up your career, you better pay attention. According to the latest data, the average salary for a Cyber Security Analyst in Malaysia is a solid RM 41,265 per year.

That's not too shabby, right?

If you're just starting out, you can expect to rake in around RM 5,000 to RM 50,000 as a Junior Security Analyst or Cybersecurity Associate.

Not too bad for an entry-level gig. But as you gain more experience and level up, the cash starts rolling in. We're talking RM 60,000 to RM 90,000 per year for mid-level roles like Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, or Security Consultant.

Now, if you're a seasoned pro with over 8 years of experience, get ready to rake in some serious dough.

Senior-level positions like Senior Security Analyst, Lead Ethical Hacker, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can score you anywhere from RM 100,000 to a whopping RM 203,640 per year.

That's the kind of cash that'll have you feeling like a boss, am I right?

  • Entry-level positions: Junior Security Analyst or Cybersecurity Associate can expect to earn RM 5,000 to RM 50,000 per year.
  • Mid-level roles: Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, or Security Consultant can earn RM 60,000 to RM 90,000 per year.
  • Senior-level positions: Senior Security Analyst, Lead Ethical Hacker, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can earn RM 100,000 to RM 203,640 per year.

The cybersecurity world is constantly evolving, and you gotta stay on top of your game.

So, whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned vet, keep learning, keep grinding, and keep that cybersecurity hustle strong. The future's looking bright for those who can protect Malaysia's digital space from all those pesky cyber threats.

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How to Increase Your Cybersecurity Salary in Malaysia

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If you want to rake in the big bucks in Malaysia's cybersecurity scene, you gotta play it smart. First things first, get yourself some legit certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM. These bad boys can boost your paycheck by a whopping 25% compared to those without 'em.

But that's just the beginning.

You gotta network like a boss. Join squads like (ISC)² Malaysia Chapter, EC-Council Malaysia Chapter, and ISACA Malaysia Chapter to stay in the loop with industry buzz and job opportunities.

As the bigshot CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia says,

"Continuous education is key in this ever-changing cybersecurity game. Those who keep leveling up through training, conferences, and knowledge-sharing platforms are the ones who'll climb the career ladder and cash in big time."

Now, here's where the real money's at – specializing in niche areas that are in high demand.

According to JobStreet Malaysia's 2023 Salary Report, these are the skills that'll make you a top earner:

  • Cloud Security: With companies hopping on the cloud bandwagon, experts who can lock down those cloud environments are worth their weight in gold.
  • Incident Response and Forensics: Companies, especially in finance and government, are willing to shell out serious cash for pros who can handle and investigate cyber attacks.
  • IoT Security: As more devices get connected to the internet, securing these IoT systems is becoming a top priority, and those with the skills are cashing in big time.

So, there you have it.

Get certified, network like a champ, keep learning, and specialize in the hottest niche areas. Follow these steps, and you'll be raking in the big bucks in no time.

It's all about playing the game smart in Malaysia's cybersecurity scene.

Future of Cybersecurity Careers in Malaysia

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Cybersecurity in Malaysia is like a raging beast that can't be tamed, and the future looks wild and exciting! With technology taking over our lives, the demand for cybersecurity pros is skyrocketing.

By 2024, jobs in this field are expected to grow by a mind-blowing 10% annually, leaving other industries in the dust. The reasons? Tech like cloud computing, IoT, AI, and big data analytics are becoming more prevalent, and they need serious protection from cyber threats.

But the best part? Salaries for cybersecurity experts could soar by 15-20% in the next three years, according to the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA).

Cha-ching! To stay ahead of the game, though, you gotta keep learning. Ethical hacking, cloud security, IoT security, and incident response are hot skills to have.

As Dato' Ts. Dr. Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab, CEO of CyberSecurity Malaysia, said,

"those who fail to upskill and evolve will be left behind."

So, if you're looking for an exciting career path that's in high demand and pays well, cybersecurity is where it's at.

Just be ready to keep learning and growing, because this field is constantly evolving. Check out Nucamp's Cybersecurity Fundamentals bootcamp to get started on your journey to becoming a cyber hero!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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What is the current job market for cybersecurity in Malaysia?

The cybersecurity job market in Malaysia is rapidly growing, driven by the country's digital transformation and increasing concerns over cyber threats. The demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to rise by 24% by 2024, creating over 10,000 new job opportunities across various industries.

What factors influence cybersecurity salaries in Malaysia?

Cybersecurity salaries in Malaysia are influenced by various factors including certifications, experience, industry, and location. Certifications can boost earnings by approximately 25%, while experience levels correlate with higher salaries ranging from RM48,000 for entry-level positions to more than RM240,000 for those with over 10 years of experience. Industries such as banking, finance, and tech offer higher salaries, particularly in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.

What are the average cybersecurity salaries by job role in Malaysia?

In Malaysia, entry-level positions like Junior Security Analyst or Cybersecurity Associate can earn between RM5,000 to RM50,000 per year. Mid-level roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst, Ethical Hacker, or Security Consultant can expect annual salaries ranging from RM60,000 to RM90,000. Senior-level positions like Senior Security Analyst, Lead Ethical Hacker, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) can command salaries between RM100,000 to RM203,640 annually.

How can you increase your cybersecurity salary in Malaysia?

To increase your cybersecurity salary in Malaysia, consider obtaining certifications like CISSP, CEH, or CISM, which can boost your pay by 25%. Networking through professional organizations and continuously updating your skills in high-demand areas like cloud security, incident response, and IoT security are also critical strategies.

What is the future of cybersecurity careers in Malaysia?

The future of cybersecurity careers in Malaysia is very promising, with job growth expected to increase by 10% annually through 2024. Salaries in this field could see an increase of 15-20% in the next three years. Continuous learning and specialization in emerging technologies like cloud security, IoT security, and incident response are essential for staying competitive.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.