Ethical Hackers Wanted
In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly frequent and sophisticated, Malaysia urgently needs a strong talent pool of ethical hackers. These cybersecurity professionals play a crucial role in protecting businesses, government agencies, and individuals from data breaches and fraud.
According to UCSI Institute of Computer Science and Digital Innovation director Assistant Prof Dr Raenu Kolandaisamy, the number of cyberattacks has grown exponentially from 28,000 in 2022 to 26 million in 2023. This is a staggering increase, especially considering that many of these attacks are happening to critical sectors such as finance, healthcare, and government.
The Growing Demand for Cybersecurity Experts
Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM) chief executive officer Datuk Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab emphasized the need for a strong cybersecurity framework to attract foreign investment. "As cyber threats become more frequent and sophisticated, it is crucial for organisations to stay ahead by proactively identifying vulnerabilities before threat actors can exploit them," he said.
While there is no official data on ethical hacking talents in the country, the number of certified professionals, such as those holding EC-Council's Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) certification, has been steadily increasing. Additionally, Amirudin pointed out that national cybersecurity initiatives and training programs are also contributing to the growth of this essential workforce.
What it Takes to be an Ethical Hacker
To become an ethical hacker, one needs a combination of technical and soft skills. According to Universiti Malaya Centre of Innovation and Enterprise (UMCIE) director Assoc Prof Dr Aznul Qalid Md Sabri, essential skills include critical thinking to analyse and exploit vulnerabilities effectively, as well as ethical integrity to ensure adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Technical skills such as programming languages like SQL, Python, and knowledge of the Linux operating system are also crucial. Furthermore, learning case studies tailored to Malaysia's cybersecurity challenges is vital. "In today's landscape, skills in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are becoming increasingly vital for combating sophisticated cyber threats," said Aznul Qalid.
Malaysia's Cybersecurity Strategy
The National Cyber Security Agency (Nacsa) chief executive Dr Megat Zuhairy Megat Tajuddin recently announced that the Malaysia Cybersecurity Strategy 2020-2024 will be launched in July. This new strategy aims to embed cybersecurity in all ICT and computer engineering programmes, including software programming, secure coding, database management, and cross-platform application development.
The setting up of the Malaysia Cyber Security Academy is also expected to significantly enhance the country's cybersecurity readiness by addressing the shortage of skilled professionals in the field. The academy will be managed by CSM in collaboration with TVET institutions.
Joining the Fight Against Cybercrime
For those who are interested in joining this essential workforce, there are many resources available. Universiti Malaya Centre of Innovation and Enterprise (UMCIE) director Assoc Prof Dr Aznul Qalid Md Sabri emphasized that learning case studies tailored to Malaysia's cybersecurity challenges is vital.
Guay and Chee, current Bachelor of Computer Science in Cyber Security students at UCSI University, share their inspiration for joining this field. "My interest in ethical hacking began when I came across a YouTube video where the presenter exposed scam companies," said Guay. "I was inspired to join this field because someone in my family was a victim of hacking." Chee added, "I enjoy being exposed to new technologies in this field, especially now with AI, which can help identify different patterns in websites or servers to expose loopholes in the server."